Kehinde Fajobi
The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has alleged that some state governors are threatening federal lawmakers with the denial of re-election tickets in 2027 if they support President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.
In an interview with The Punch on Sunday, Agbese said, “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.”
Despite these threats, Agbese, who represents Benue State, affirmed that the lawmakers would remain steadfast in supporting the bills, provided they align with efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “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.”
Citing Isaiah 54:15, Agbese added, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”
He emphasised that the 10th Assembly is composed of progressive and independent-minded lawmakers who are determined to act in the nation’s best interests.
“The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-minded, and pro-Nigeria.
“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents, and as far as the legislation will work for those that elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly, and powerfully to see the light of the day,” he stated.
The four tax reform bills in question were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on September 3, 2024, following recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.
They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which seeks to establish a fiscal framework for taxation; the Tax Administration Bill, which aims to streamline tax processes and reduce disputes; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and ombudsman.
While the 36 state governors have called for the withdrawal of the bills to allow for more consultation, President Tinubu has rejected their request.
He has instead urged that any amendments be introduced during debates in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Agbese disclosed that the House would meet with Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday to discuss the bills ahead of Tuesday’s plenary resumption.
Lawmakers have already received copies of the proposed legislation to review before the debates.
“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday. We have made copies of the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect, and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” Agbese said.
He added that the bills would likely pass with minor adjustments.
“I see the 10th House congressmen passing the bills with minor adjustments to polish them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism.
“That’s the trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world.”
Afam Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, urged Nigerians to remain patient while lawmakers deliberate on the bills.
“Fears have been expressed regarding what the real ‘motives’ of the tax bills could be, but therein lies the real essence of the technical session.
“I expect that during the session, everyone who has misgivings about particular clauses and sections of any of the bills would be allowed to express such, so that at the end of the day, suggestions and recommendations for possible amendment would be attended to before the public hearing stage,” he said.
Odianosen Okojie, representing Esan North East/Esan South East in Edo State, called for swift passage of the bills, stating, “The President means well for the country, looking at the bold steps he is taking in terms of positive policy-making.
“The governors should embrace the tax reform bills because it’s going to be a win-win situation for all.”
Oluwole Oke, a PDP lawmaker from Osun State, pledged his support for the legislative process, saying, “I will work with the committee at the public hearing and in the committee of the whole.”