Godswill Akpabio, Senate president, said on Thursday that the Upper Chamber will not be bullied or intimidated over the tax reform bills, asserting that legislative action on the proposed laws will continue in the interest of Nigerians.

Akpabio made the remarks during the plenary, clarifying that the tax bills have not been withdrawn and that the Senate remains committed to addressing them.

He noted that the bills contain provisions that could reduce the financial burden on citizens, noting that the Senate would act solely in the public interest.

“The Senate will not be bullied. We are doing our work in the interest of Nigerians. We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed,” he said.

The Senate president emphasised that the Upper Chamber would not be rushed into passing the bills. He said the Committee on Finance, tasked with scrutinising the legislation, has been given six weeks to complete its work, with an option to extend the timeframe, if necessary.

The Senate also reshuffled the membership of the committee responsible for meeting with the federal government delegation to address concerns raised about the tax reform bills currently under review.

Tahir Monguno, Senate chief whip, was removed from the committee and replaced by Kaka Shehu, senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District.

Akpabio explained that principal officers should not be part of the committee, stating that this was the consensus reached during a closed-door session last week before the bills passed the second reading.

The Senate president reiterated the chamber’s independence and its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians as it deliberates on the contentious tax reform bills.

[BusinessDay]