Tensions Rise in Senate Over Motion to Suspend Rules for Tax Reform Discussions
The Nigerian Senate witnessed a heated exchange on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion introduced by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The motion sought to suspend Senate rules to allow the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zaccheus Adedeji, and the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, to address the chamber on the controversial Tax Reform Bill.
Bamidele argued that suspending the rules was essential for providing clarity on the bill, which has generated widespread debate and public outcry across the country.
“This is a matter of urgent national importance. Nigerians deserve to hear directly from these officials to understand the implications of this reform,” Bamidele stated.
Opposition to Rule Suspension
The motion, however, met strong resistance from Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who questioned the legality and propriety of the proposal. Both lawmakers opposed suspending Order 12 of the Senate rulebook, which governs who may address the chamber during plenary sessions.
Senator Ningi insisted that the officials should be invited to present their explanations before the Senate Committee on Appropriations rather than addressing the entire chamber.
“The Senate floor is not the appropriate venue for this interaction. These matters should be discussed at the committee level, not during plenary,” Ningi argued.
Senator Ndume also raised objections, stating that the inclusion of Adedeji and Oyedele’s presentations was not part of the day’s official order paper. He described the motion as a breach of Senate protocol and accused Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of manipulating proceedings to support the motion.
“You cannot simply override the order paper. The rules dictate our business for the day. While you may use the gavel, I have my voice, and I will continue to speak for the interests of the people,” Ndume said passionately.
Clarifications and Ruling
In response to the objections, Bamidele clarified that his motion was not intended to revoke Order 12 but merely to suspend it temporarily under the provisions of Order 1b, which allows for such suspensions in matters of privilege or urgent importance.
“This motion is about transparency and inclusivity. It is not about overriding the rules but about ensuring Nigerians have direct access to critical information on a matter that impacts them,” Bamidele explained.
Following intense deliberations, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin ruled in favor of the motion, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and transparency in legislative processes.
“This Tax Reform Bill affects all Nigerians, and it is our responsibility to make the process as open and inclusive as possible,” Barau said, granting Adedeji and Oyedele permission to address the chamber.
Walkout Threat and Resolution
The debate took a personal turn when Ndume demanded an apology from Barau for dismissing his objections as “rhetorics.” The Deputy Senate President, however, declined to issue an apology, further fueling tensions on the Senate floor.
In protest, Ndume, Ningi, and several other lawmakers initially threatened to stage a walkout but ultimately returned to their seats after interventions from their colleagues.
Implications for the Tax Reform Bill
The ruling sets the stage for Adedeji and Oyedele to provide insights into the Tax Reform Bill, which has drawn sharp reactions from various stakeholders. Proponents argue the bill is a critical step toward improving fiscal governance, while critics fear it could place additional burdens on ordinary Nigerians.
As the Senate navigates these divisions, the session underscores the importance of balancing parliamentary protocol with the need for transparency and public engagement in legislative processes.
