BREAKING: Tension in Senate over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill debate

The Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday descended into chaos following the unexpected introduction of the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which was not listed on the Order Paper.

The tension began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) to suspend the Senate Rules, allowing the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the bill. His motion, supported by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, led to the Sergeant-At-Arms ushering in the FIRS delegation and tax experts.

However, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume strongly opposed the move, citing Senate Rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on matters not scheduled for debate. Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill is too critical to be handled informally, emphasizing that Nigerians had voiced their concerns and deserved transparency.

The heated exchange underscored growing tension over the proposed tax reforms, with some senators calling for adherence to legislative procedures.

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.