The Senate witnessed a heated session during Wednesday’s plenary as the controversial Tax Reform Bill sparked a fierce debate, despite not being listed on the Order Paper.
The unexpected development led to a tense exchange among senators, highlighting divisions over legislative procedure and the importance of the bill.
The uproar began when Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, invoked Order 12(1) to suspend Senate Rules, paving the way for the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.
His motion was supported by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session. Following this, the Sergeant-At-Arms was directed to allow the FIRS chairman and other tax experts into the chamber.
However, the decision did not sit well with Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who strongly opposed the move. Citing Senate Rules, Ndume argued that external individuals, such as the FIRS delegation, are prohibited from addressing the Senate on matters not included on the Order Paper.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to legislative guidelines and cautioned against any attempt to manipulate discussions on the critical Tax Reform Bill.
“This matter is too important to be manipulated. Nigerians have spoken, and the Senate must respect their voices,” Ndume asserted, urging his colleagues to handle the bill with the seriousness it deserves.
He said: “This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the Order Paper is clear. I have no problem having them to come to explain whatsoever but we must follow known procedures.
“That is if today that has to be taken, then there must be a supplementary Order Paper that will reflect this. It is not a matter that you will just come and tell us after we are doing business of the day.
“Mr President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. You can use your gavel and I will use my voice. The Tax Reform Bill is very sensitive, our people have been dominated by this matter.
“When you say, it is a matter of urgent national importance, yes, but even those matters normally refer to another legislative day if they are so inconvenient.
“Please I beg you in the name of God. This matter is very important to not only us, but Nigerians that we represent and we swear by the Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people. Nigerians have spoken, the Governors, the National Economic Council.”
Reacting, Barau insisted that whatever action the Senate decides to take is within its rules, adding that the “Chamber has no time for rhetoric”.
He said, “You have made your point. Now we are not here for rhetoric. We are here for facts ”
At this point the chamber became rowdy, while the Deputy Senate President tried to restore order.
Ndume was eventually ruled out of order and the FIRS chairman and other tax experts were allowed into the chamber to speak on the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
(DailyPost)