An attempt to invite members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team to address lawmakers on the contentious Tax Reform Bill stirred the hornet’s nest in the senate on Wednesday.
The senator representing Ekiti Central, Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, had invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Standing Rules by proposing to bring in tax experts including the director general of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr Tanimu Yakubu and the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji, to address the law makers on the bill.
Bamidele had moved a motion to bring in the experts and was seconded by the deputy senate president, Mr Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.
“Tax experts and consultants as well as the director-general of the Budget Office and the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, Zacchaeus Adedeji, were to attend the plenary to explain the Tax Reform Bills in detail to lawmakers,” he said.
Even as Barau directed the sergeant-at-arms to allow the visitors in, senator representing Borno South, Mr Ali Ndume, opposed the move, relying on the senate rules that forbid visitors from addressing the chamber on matters not included in the order paper.
He contended that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be treated without following proper legislative procedure.
“This is a very important matter. We must follow known procedures. If this issue is to be addressed today, there must be a supplementary Order Paper to reflect it. Nigerians are watching, and this issue cannot be rushed.
“Mr. President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. Tax Reform is sensitive, and our people are deeply affected by this matter. We must represent the interest of Nigerians as we swore to do,” Ndume said.
Barau dismissed his objection and defended the decision to allow the experts into the Chamber.
“The Chamber has no time for rhetoric. We are here for facts,” he said.
Responding, Ndume accused Barau of using his position as the presiding officer to dismiss his concerns.
Barau ruled him out of order and the visitors were permitted come in and address the lawmakers on the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
Similarly, an attempt by the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, Mr Abdul Ningi (PDP) to stop the visitors from attending the session was thwarted.
Ningi had read from the Order, listing the titles of those who were allowed into the senate plenary according to the senate’s rules.
Ningi said such a conversation was more appropriate at the committee level and should be handed over to the finance committee and, maybe appropriations, to interface with the team.
In response, Barau explained that the senate suspended its rule to allow for openness and let Nigerians watch the live proceedings and listen to the debate on the Tax Reform Bills.
He, thereafter, asked the Senate leader to address the order he came under.
In his response, Bamidele said: “Mr President, I listened to the Point of Order raised by the most distinguished, highly respected, well-revered former leader of the House and of the Senate, distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi.
“Mr. President, let me clarify. My motion was for suspension, not invocation of Order 12. Order 12 talks about those who are privileged to speak in this hallowed chamber, as well as the exceptions that can be granted.
“But when a motion is moved for suspension, it means that the rule does not apply again. In addition, sir, for our working relationship, let me also amend my motion by saying that in addition to my motion for the suspension of Order 12 on floor privileges, I’m also coming under Order 1B, which says in all cases where there’s no specific provision or rule, the Senate shall regulate its procedure.
“So, Mr President, let it be said that my motion is based on both the invocation of Order 1B of our rules, as well as the suspension of Order 12 of our rules. Nigerians need to know, and we also want to know. Let’s hear these people.”
Upon his explanation, the deputy president put the question to a voice vote and the Ayes carried the day.
