Tempers flared during Wednesday’s Senate plenary as a shouting match broke out over the Tax Reform Bill, which unexpectedly made its way to the floor for debate, despite not being on the official agenda for the day’s proceedings.
The atmosphere in the session, overseen by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, APC, from Kano North, grew tense when Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC of Ekiti Central, triggered a heated debate by invoking Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules.
He called for the invitation of key figures like Tanimu Yakubu, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), and Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to provide their expertise on the Tax Reform Bill to the Chamber.
Once the Senate had debated and approved two bills for second reading and sent them to the appropriate committees, Senator Bamidele introduced a motion to bring the tax experts into the Chamber. The motion was seconded by Senator Barau, who then instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to ensure the visitors’ entry.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, APC, from Borno South, expressed strong opposition to the motion, citing Senate Rules that prevent visitors from speaking on matters not included in the day’s Order Paper.
Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be treated without following proper legislative procedure, stating:
“This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. If this issue is to be addressed today, there must be a supplementary Order Paper to reflect it. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed.”
He added: “Mr. President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. Tax Reform is sensitive, and our people are deeply affected by this matter. We must represent the interest of Nigerians as we swore to do.”
In a pointed response, Deputy Senate President Barau justified allowing the experts into the Chamber. He rejected Ndume’s objections outright, clarifying that their involvement was essential for the session’s progress.
“The Chamber has no time for rhetorics. We are here for facts.”
Ndume’s frustration boiled over in response, as he lashed out at Barau, claiming that his concerns were being ignored purely because of Barau’s senior position.
“Is it because you are sitting there that you are saying a Senator is speaking rhetorics? You can rule me out of order, but I will speak for Nigerians,” Ndume retorted.
In the end, Ndume’s objection was overruled, and the experts were given permission to speak to the Chamber about the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
The Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, is designed to revamp Nigeria’s tax structure. While it is viewed as essential for ensuring long-term economic stability, it has encountered significant resistance from various stakeholders, including state governors and the National Economic Council, who are wary of its broader consequences.
