Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, has said that the upper legislative chamber cannot be ‘bullied’ into withdrawing deliberations on the four Tax Reform Bills.
He noted that only the executive arm of the government led by President Bola Tinubu could withdraw bills emanate from the executive, not the Senate.
Bamidele stated this during Thursday’s plenary, adding that the Upper Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to representing the interests of Nigerians and would not succumb to external pressures.
He rejected media reports suggesting that discussions on the bills had been suspended or withdrawn.
He said, “The Senate cannot be bullied. Any reform we believe is in the best interest of Nigerians will proceed. These bills contain provisions aimed at benefiting the public.”
Senator Bamidele also cautioned against misinformation circulating on social media and in the press, urging the public to focus on verified facts.
He emphasized, “We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills.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 has the authority to withdraw them. We remain resolute in fulfilling our legislative duties.
He further emphasized the Senate’s independence, stating, “We do not take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how high-ranking.”
Highlighting the Senate’s careful approach, the Senate leader noted that there is no rush to finalize the bills, rather, thorough review processes are underway, including the formation of a special committee representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
According to him, the committee will engage with Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi to address contentious issues.On Wednesday, the Senate established a committee to review the controversial Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary on Wednesday, stated that the committee, led by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), would meet with AGF Lateef Fagbemi to resolve any ambiguities in the bills and report back to the Senate before the public hearing.
Barau also noted that the executive branch and the Senate agreed on the importance of resolving the issues causing disagreements in the bills.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted four Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly in October, the bills have faced significant opposition, particularly from the Northern region.
