A heated debate unfolded in the Senate as Tinubu’s economic team attended a plenary to discuss tax reform bills amid procedural disputes.
Mild drama unfolded at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday when the Senate debated procedural issues surrounding the presence of members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team in the chamber.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), initiated proceedings by proposing the suspension of Order 12, which typically governs who may address the Senate.
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This suspension would allow visitors, including Zacchaeus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and other tax experts, to brief lawmakers on the details of the Tax Reform Bills.
Bamidele explained the need for openness and a live discussion, stating, “Tax experts and consultants, as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office and the FIRS Chairman, are here to provide clarity on these bills.”
However, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) raised objections, arguing that the session was better suited for committee-level deliberations.
Citing Senate rules, he maintained that such external participation contravened Order 12 and suggested referring the discussion to the Finance and Appropriations Committees.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) defended the motion, asserting that the suspension of Order 12 was necessary to ensure transparency and public engagement. He called for a voice vote, which resulted in the motion’s approval.
Bamidele clarified his position further, invoking Order 1B in addition to Order 12, noting that this rule permits the Senate to regulate its procedures where explicit provisions are lacking. “Let’s hear these people. Nigerians deserve to know the details,” he stated.
Despite the ruling, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) raised concerns about the lack of prior notice on the Order Paper and suggested postponing the matter for better preparation.
Barau dismissed Ndume’s concerns, calling for focus on the substantive issues rather than procedural rhetoric.
After the economic team was allowed into the chamber, Ndume again rose, objecting to Barau’s earlier remark about “rhetoric,” which he perceived as insulting.
He demanded an apology. Barau responded with a light-hearted dismissal, clarifying that the term was not directed at Ndume specifically and ruled him out of order once more.
The appearance of Tinubu’s economic team signals the Senate’s commitment to scrutinising the proposed tax reforms.
Lawmakers aim to balance fostering revenue generation with ensuring public understanding and acceptance of the bills.
While procedural disagreements briefly disrupted the session, the debate underscores the Senate’s determination to engage stakeholders and Nigerians in critical fiscal policies. policy, legislative transparency
