The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has clarified that the upper chamber of the National Assembly has not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024, countering recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, Bamidele emphasized that the Senate remained committed to its constitutional duties and warned against attempts to misrepresent its proceedings or intimidate lawmakers.
“Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024. This is because we did not,” Bamidele asserted.
The Senate, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin,constituted a special committee chaired by Senator Abba Moro on Wednesday to address concerns surrounding the bills. The committee is set to engage with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to resolve identified issues.
Bamidele highlighted that the Tax Reform Bills were executive proposals transmitted through the Office of the President and are not private member bills. Therefore, any decision to withdraw them lies solely with the Executive.
“It is a misunderstanding of the legislative process for any person to report that we have withdrawn the Bills. These Bills are alive and receiving active consideration,” he stated.
The Senate Leader also decried media reports labeling the bills as “suspended” or “withdrawn,” accusing some outlets of sensationalizing the matter. “This Senate cannot be bullied into adopting procedures inconsistent with its rules,” he warned.
Bamidele reaffirmed the Senate’s openness to discussions, consensus-building, and engagement but stressed its resolve to uphold legislative integrity.
“As far as we are concerned, the Tax Reform Bills, 2024, are still under consideration, and we will not be distracted by misrepresentations or undue influence,” he concluded.
