Fireworks Loom in House as Minority, Leadership Clash Over Alleged Alteration of Tax Laws
What started as a routine legislative process has escalated into a fierce institutional standoff, setting the stage for fireworks as lawmakers return from recess.
At the heart of the controversy are four newly enacted tax reform laws—passed by the National Assembly, assented to by the President, gazetted, and issued with Certified True Copies (CTCs)—but now embroiled in allegations of post-passage alterations.
On Monday, the House of Representatives moved swiftly to contain the fallout, formally rejecting and disowning an interim report produced by an ad-hoc committee set up by the House Minority Caucus to probe the alleged discrepancies.
The Minority Caucus committee, chaired by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency in Anambra State, Victor Afam Ogene, had claimed that the versions of the tax laws published in the gazette differed from what lawmakers originally passed.
However, the House leadership declared the committee procedurally invalid, insisting it lacked the constitutional and institutional authority to conduct investigations or submit reports for legislative consideration.
In a statement issued by House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, the chamber stressed that only the plenary or the Speaker has the power under the Standing Orders to constitute standing or ad-hoc committees.
“Neither the Majority nor Minority Caucus, nor any political caucus, has the authority to constitute investigative committees whose reports can be tabled before the House for legislative action,” the statement said.
The House warned that reports from such informal bodies could mislead the public and deepen confusion, particularly on a sensitive matter involving laws already signed by the President.
It further noted that a properly constituted, bipartisan ad-hoc committee—chaired by Rt. Hon. Aliyu Mukthar Betara—had already been set up to investigate allegations that multiple versions of the tax laws were in circulation.
According to the House, that committee remains in force and is expected to submit its findings to the plenary upon concluding its assignment.
Providing background, the House explained that following concerns raised by an opposition lawmaker in December 2025, it investigated the issue and, acting jointly with the Senate, published the official gazette and issued Certified True Copies of the laws.
“The National Assembly has also formally disowned and debunked any unofficial documents in circulation,” the statement said, reiterating that only the gazetted versions and CTCs constitute authentic legislative instruments.
Despite the House’s position, the Minority Caucus pushed back, warning that dismissing its interim report could encourage impunity and weaken legislative independence.
Ogene, who also leads the Labour Party Caucus, described attempts to downplay the Minority Caucus findings as “dangerous and misleading.”
Reacting to comments attributed to Deputy House Spokesman Philip Agbese—who reportedly said the issue had been overtaken by events—Ogene said the sensitivity of the spokesperson’s office made such remarks troubling.
He argued that the Minority Caucus report did not indict the National Assembly but instead pointed to alleged interference by external actors within the government bureaucracy.
“This should worry every lawmaker who values the integrity of law-making over transient political considerations,” Ogene said.
He also questioned why the House-appointed Betara-led committee was still sitting if the matter had truly been resolved, asking pointedly: “If the issue has been overtaken by events, why has the committee not been dissolved?”
As lawmakers prepare to resume plenary, the clash between the Minority Caucus and House leadership signals a brewing confrontation that could test parliamentary norms and the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative process.
