A heated debate erupted in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, as Senator Ali Ndume protested the invitation of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to brief the lawmakers on tax reform bills.
Ndume argued that the briefing was not listed on the order paper, and therefore, the Senate rules had been breached.
“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,” he said.
The Senator emphasized the need to follow established procedures, stating, “I have no problem having them come to explain whatsoever, but we must follow known procedures.”
Ndume also expressed concerns about the tax reform bills, saying, “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.
READ ALSO: “Nigeria Needs New Tax Payers, Not New Taxes” – FIRS On Proposed Tax Reforms
“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 swore by the Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin countered that the senate was operating within its rules, saying, “You have made your point. Now we are not here for rhetorics.”
Despite the initial disruption, Adedeji was eventually led into the chamber to brief the lawmakers. Ndume has been vocal in his opposition to the tax bills.
via: Information Nigeria
No comments
Post a Comment