Some state governors are threatening to block federal lawmakers from securing re-election tickets in 2027 unless they rescind their support fo the tax bill represented by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly.
The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, stated that d, “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.”
Today, lawmakers engage with Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, along with other tax experts to discuss these bills.
The President submitted four tax reform proposals on September 3, 2024, designed to enhance the country’s taxation system, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Tax Administration Bill.
He added, “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.”
In response to the governors’ calls for withdrawal, the President has maintained that amendments can be made during the legislative process. Agbese pointed out that the governors are strategizing against lawmakers who back the bills, but he stressed that the House is committed to supporting initiatives that are beneficial to the economy.
He expressed optimism that the 10th Assembly would pass the bills with minor modifications, emphasizing the lawmakers’ intellectual and patriotic commitment. The House has provided copies of the bills to its members for review prior to the upcoming plenary sessions.
Other lawmakers, including Mr. Afam Ogene and Odianosen Okojie, expressed their backing for the bills, highlighting the necessity of dialogue and cooperation in the legislative process. They encouraged their colleagues to support the reforms for the greater good of the country.
