Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) said on Monday, November 18, 2024, that members of the House will will not support Governors against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the ongoing debate on the four Tax Reform Bills before the parliament.
He said that lawmakers consider the bills as catalyst to the growth of the nation’s economy and ready to throw their weight behind the four executive bills.
He spoke against the wild spread rumour that some Governors are threatening to deny lawmakers from their States return tickets in the 2027 election if they continue to show support for the bills.
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.
But Governors, under the Nigeria Economic Council, are demanding the withdrawal of the executive bills which are still at first reading stage, citing the need for more consultation and public input.
But the Presidency is insisting that the legislative process be allowed to go through, while amendments to some of the clauses can be made when the bills come up for public hearing at the Senate and House of Representatives.
But Agbese, in an interview, 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.”
He said members of 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 added.
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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 said.
The Nation
