Senate president, Godswill Akpabio has said that no part of the Tax Reform Bills process has been suspended or withdrawn.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Akpabio during plenary on Thursday, said the upper house of assembly is committed to advancing the legislative bills.
The Senate President added that the Senate remains focused on its mandate to represent Nigerians’ interests and will not be intimidated by external pressures.
Against the backdrop of a point of order raised by leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Akpabio dismissed reports in the media suggesting that deliberations on the bills have been suspended or withdrawn.
Dismissing any attempts to pressure the chamber, the Senate President said, “The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform that we are convinced serves the interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions that are in the best interest of the public.”
Akpabio also cautioned against misinformation from social media or media reports, urging the public to focus on facts.
He said, “We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.”
Akpabio underscored the legislature’s independence, saying, “We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”
He noted that the senate is not in a hurry and will do a thorough job on the bills and has therefore taken further legislative actions on the bills, including the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to engage with Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious issues.
The Senate President explained that public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, including Governors, religious leaders, and business leaders are imperative to resolve any uncertainties.
He said, “If six weeks are insufficient, we will extend the time. We are committed to transparency and addressing all concerns.”
