The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep Philip Agbese, has said that members of the House of Representatives will support President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills at the expense of siding with their state governors, who have called for the withdrawal of the proposed legislation.
According to Agbese, lawmakers consider the bills as catalysts for the growth of the economy and, as such, are ready to throw their weight in support of the four executive bills.
He also added that some state governors are threatening to deny lawmakers from their states return tickets in the 2027 election if they continue to show support for 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 Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms headed by Taiwo Oyedele for the review of existing tax laws.
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 at the Senate and House of Representatives.
He said, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu from rebooting 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.”
“Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members a return ticket in 2027 if they support the bills.”
Going scriptural, 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.”
He warned that lawmakers in the 10th Assembly cannot be forced to take a position that is not in the best interest of their representatives, saying, “The difference between the new crops of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressively-minded, and pro-Nigeria.
“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents, and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support it unequivocally, wholeheartedly, and powerfully to see the light of the day.”
He further added that copies of the bills have been made available to lawmakers to aid their understanding ahead of the second reading.
“We have made the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect, and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation is likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary.
“I see the 10th House passing the bills with some minor adjustments to polish it with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism.
“That’s our usual trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world,” he added
