The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has raised concerns over alleged threats from some state governors to federal lawmakers regarding their stance on President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
Agbese revealed that the governors are warning lawmakers to withdraw their support for the bills or risk losing their tickets to contest in the 2027 general elections.
The controversial tax reform bills, submitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on September 3, 2024, have sparked debate across the country.
The proposals, which stem from recommendations by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms led by Taiwo Oyedele, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system by creating a unified framework for taxation, administration, and revenue collection.
However, the 36 state governors have opposed the bills, calling for their withdrawal to allow for broader consultations and public input.
Despite the pushback, President Tinubu has stood firm, insisting that any contentious clauses can be amended during debates in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Agbese disclosed that lawmakers are scheduled to meet with Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday, November 18, to discuss the bills and address concerns raised by stakeholders.
He also noted that some governors have been holding meetings ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption, signaling intensified lobbying efforts over the proposed legislation.
The bills have become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape, with advocates arguing that they will simplify and modernize the tax system, while critics caution against potential overreach and lack of inclusivity in the reform process.
He said, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.”
Despite the threats from the governors, the Benue lawmaker, Philip Agbese, firmly stated that he and his colleagues would not be swayed from supporting the proposed tax reform bills, as long as the legislation is aimed at revitalizing the country’s economy.
He continued, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot 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.”
Acknowledging that past lawmakers may have been swayed or cajoled into abandoning their principles, the Benue lawmaker reminded the governors that the members of the 10th Assembly are a different breed of Nigerians.
He said, “The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-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 them unequivocally, wholeheartedly and powerfully to see the light of the day.”
In preparation for the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, November 18, the House of Representatives, as stated by Agbese, is set to engage with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, along with other respected tax experts.
This meeting, scheduled for Monday, aims to provide lawmakers with a comprehensive understanding of the proposed tax reform bills.
Agbese further revealed that, in an effort to ensure that members are well-informed, the House leadership has distributed copies of the bills to all lawmakers for their independent review ahead of the upcoming discussions.
“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday.
“We have made copies of 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 was likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary.
He continued, “I see the 10th House Congressmen passing the bills with minor adjustments to polish them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism. That’s the trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world.”
The proposed tax reform bills are anticipated to take center stage in both chambers of the National Assembly when lawmakers reconvene for plenary on Tuesday, November 19.
Afam Ogene, the representative for Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, commented that the upcoming session with tax experts on Monday will shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of the bills.
He called on Nigerians to remain patient as their representatives engage in thoughtful deliberation to reach a well-informed stance on the legislation.
Ogene said, “For starters, the legislature, anywhere in the world, is a deliberative assembly of men and women charged with the responsibility of making laws for the good governance of that given society. Flowing from the above, it is only wise that the legislature and legislators should never shut the doors to dialogue, even with perceived opponents.
“As a National Assembly, my take is that the overall good of our country, and its component units should be uppermost in arriving at any decision.”
Acknowledging the legitimate concerns surrounding the motives behind the proposed tax laws, the Labour Party legislators stated that Monday’s meeting with tax experts would provide an opportunity for both sides to engage in open dialogue.
He continued, “Fears have been expressed regarding what the real ‘motives’ of the tax bills could be, but therein lies the real essence of the technical session of tomorrow (today) by the promoters of the bills.
“I expect that during the session, everyone who has misgivings about particular clauses and sections of any of the bills would be allowed to express such, so that at the end of the day, suggestions and recommendations for possible amendment would be attended to, before the public hearing stage.”
Odianosen Okojie, the representative for Esan North East/Esan South East in Edo State, urged his colleagues to act swiftly in passing the proposed tax reform bills once they are brought up for debate during plenary.
He said, “I will urge the House to speedily pass the tax reform bills in support of Mr President. The President means well for the country, looking at the bold steps he is taking, in terms of positive policy making. The governors should embrace the tax reform bills because it’s going to be a win-win situation for all.”
Oluwole Oke, a Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State pledged to work together with the other lawmakers in ensuring a well-considered position on the matter.
“I will work with the committee at the public hearing and in the committee of the whole,” Oke said.
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