BREAKING: Senate won’t withdraw Tinubu’s Tax Reform bills you can’t intimidate us – Akpabio tells northerners

The Nigerian Senate has firmly refuted claims that the controversial Tax Reform Bills have been withdrawn or suspended, emphasizing that the bills remain under active consideration.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified the matter during Wednesday’s plenary, following concerns raised by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi over media misrepresentation of legislative proceedings.

Opeyemi highlighted reports suggesting that the Senate was confused about the bills, leading to their suspension. He criticized a news segment on Arise Television, where it was claimed the bills had been “withdrawn,” a term he said was misleading and untrue.

Akpabio, addressing the chamber, stated, “The Tax Reform Bills are alive in this hallowed chamber. They are receiving due consideration, and there is no truth to the claim that they have been withdrawn or suspended. These are executive bills, and only the executive has the authority to withdraw them. Such an action has not occurred.”

He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to thorough legislative procedures, encouraging consensus and public engagement while rejecting attempts to intimidate the Parliament.

“We will not be bullied into taking a specific approach, but we remain open to dialogue and collaboration across political, religious, and civil society lines to ensure the bills serve the public interest,” Akpabio said.

Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, was commended for promptly initiating consultations on the bills. Akpabio confirmed that the committee would commence public hearings soon to gather input from various stakeholders.

The Senate President assured the public that the bills had passed second reading and further legislative actions were underway, maintaining transparency in the process.