By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Dapo Akinrefon & John Alechenu
FOLLOWING criticisms and pressures on the tax reform bills forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu for consideration, the Senate yesterday suspended further legislative actions on the bills.
Vanguard gathered that the decision was taken after the leadership of the Senate met with the Presidency on how to resolve the thorny issues that were polarising the polity.
In the Senate, the strongest push back to the tax bills came from the North, with Senator Ali Ndume, leading the pack.
Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Sule Abdullahi of Nasarawa, Northern Elders Forum, NEF, National Economic Council, NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, were among those who kicked against the bills, and urged further and wider consultation.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said yesterday efforts were being made to protect the interests of states opposed to the proposed bills.
Massive pressure attacks
Assailed by attacks from within and outside, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly bowed to pressure, yesterday, and made a u-turn on its decision to carry out a public hearing on the bills.
Consequently, it set up a 10-man committee to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice on ways to resolve contentious issues in the bills.
The Senate asked its committee on finance to stop further action on the tax bills that passed for second reading last week.
This was made known by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided during yesterday’s plenary.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abbah Moro, will chair the committee that will liaise with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to eliminate the contentious clauses in the tax bills.
Other members of the committee are Adamu Aliero Orji Kalu, Seriake Dickson, Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Adeola Olamilekan, Sani Musa and Adetokunbo Abiru.
Barau said: “On the tax reform bills currently before us, we acknowledge that the Senate remains the highest legislative assembly in this country.
The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.
“The Senate like similar bodies globally, serves as a stabilizing force in times of difficulty or disagreement. Through dialogue and consensus, the Senate has consistently provided solutions to national challenges since 1999.
“In this regard, we have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together on resolving the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.
“In collaboration with the executive arm of government, we agreed to establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity and progress.
“Before the introduction of these bills, we faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic issues.
“The President has been working to address these problems, and we are committed to supporting these efforts while tackling global economic challenges. We also agreed that no other issues should aggravate the country’s current difficulties.
“It has been mutually decided between the executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters.
“The Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.
