By Okafor Joseph Afam | November 27, 2024

The Nigerian Senate plunged into a stormy session on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over the Tax Reform Bill introduced by President Bola Tinubu. The bill’s sudden inclusion for debate, without being listed on the day’s Order Paper, sparked heated arguments and disrupted proceedings.

The tension began when Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules, proposing that experts, including Debt Management Office (DMO) Director-General Tanimu Yakubu and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji, be invited to provide insights on the bill.

After two other bills had been passed for second reading, Bamidele moved the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North). Barau instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to admit the experts into the Chamber.

However, the move faced strong opposition from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who accused the Senate leadership of bypassing proper legislative procedures. Citing the Senate Standing Orders, Ndume insisted that such an important bill must be properly reflected on a supplementary Order Paper before being debated.

“This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed,” Ndume argued, adding that tax reform is a sensitive subject that directly impacts the lives of Nigerians.

Deputy Senate President Barau, however, dismissed Ndume’s concerns, insisting that the Senate needed to prioritize facts over what he termed as “rhetoric.” This remark escalated tensions, leading to a fiery exchange between the two lawmakers.

“Is it because you are sitting there that you dismiss a Senator’s contributions as rhetoric? You can rule me out of order, but I will speak for Nigerians,” Ndume retorted, accusing Barau of disregarding valid concerns.

Despite the uproar, Ndume was ruled out of order, and the invited experts were allowed to address the Chamber.

The proposed Tax Reform Bill, which seeks to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework, has been described by the Tinubu administration as crucial for economic stability. However, it has met resistance from various quarters, including state governors and the National Economic Council, who have raised concerns about its potential impact on Nigerians.

The chaotic session exposed deep divisions within the Senate and underscored the contentious nature of the bill. While its supporters argue that it is necessary to modernize the country’s tax system, critics warn that it could worsen the economic burdens faced by citizens.