Tax reform bills send Senate into rowdy session – News – The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

Nigeria’s Senate had a rowdy session on Wednesday during deliberations on the controversial tax reform bill, leading to a shouting match among lawmakers.

The debate, chaired by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, took a dramatic turn when Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele invoked Order 12(1) to suspend the Senate’s default rules, seeking permission from the Chairman of the Senate Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and tax experts. to address the room.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume strongly objected, stressing that the tax reform bill was not on the Order Paper and that Senate rules prohibit discussions on non-listed matters without appropriate procedural adjustments.

“This is a very important matter and we must follow the rules,” Ndume said, warning that bypassing the protocol undermines the integrity of the legislation.

He urged the Senate to ensure proper representation of the interests of Nigerians, stressing the significance of the bill in light of public concerns.

Despite Ndume’s objections, Barau defended the decision, insisting the Senate acted within the rules, and dismissed the argument as unnecessary rhetoric.

His comments fueled tensions, turning the session chaotic.

Deputy Senate President Barau eventually restored order, removing Ndume from service and allowing the FIRS officials to continue with their presentation.

The incident highlighted the heightened sensitivity surrounding the Tax Reform Bill, which has sparked widespread debate due to its potential economic impact on Nigerians.