The Nigerian Senate descended into a heated shouting match on Wednesday, November 27, over the contentious Tax Reform Bill, which was unexpectedly brought up for discussion despite not being listed in the day’s Order Paper.
The plenary, presided over by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North), grew tense after Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules to propose inviting tax experts to address the Chamber. These experts included the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Tanimu Yakubu, and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji.
Senator Bamidele’s motion, seconded by Deputy Senate President Barau, directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to bring in the invited experts. However, the move faced fierce resistance from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who accused the leadership of flouting established legislative procedures.
“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,” Ndume said.
Ndume emphasized the sensitive nature of tax reform and the need for thorough deliberation, stating, “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.”
Deputy Senate President Barau dismissed Ndume’s objections, defending the decision to proceed, saying, “The Chamber has no time for rhetorics. We are here for facts.”
The remark incited further tension, with Ndume accusing Barau of dismissing legitimate concerns due to his 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.
Despite the uproar, Ndume was eventually ruled out of order, allowing the invited tax experts to address the Chamber on the proposed legislation.
The Tax Reform Bill, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, aims to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system to enhance economic stability. While it is considered a national priority, the bill has faced stiff opposition from state governors, the National Economic Council, and other stakeholders concerned about its implications.