President Bola Tinubu
By Tony Folarin Obajemu
The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has said that some state governors are threatening fire and brimstone to stop federal lawmakers from having return tickets in the 2027 general elections if they do not withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills now before the National Assembly for consideration.
Agbese also disclosed that the lawmakers will today (Monday) engage the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, and other renowned tax experts on the bills.
Recall that on September 3, 2024, the President transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Oyedele-led tax reforms committee.
The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.
Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.
The 36 state governors have, however, demanded the withdrawal of the executive bills, citing the need for more consultation and public input.
In the meantime, the President has rejected the counsel of the governors, insisting that amendments to some of the clauses can be made when the bills come up for debate in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Agbese said, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.”
The threats notwithstanding, the Benue lawmaker said nothing would make him and his colleagues change course, provided the bills are targeted at revamping the economy.
He continued, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.
“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass.”
Waxing spiritual, Agbese quoted Isaiah 54:15 saying, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”
