Former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to the recent backing of the controversial Tax Reform Bills by Senators from the South South.
Senators from Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone voiced their support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers, under the South-South Senators’ Forum, emphasized the significance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and promoting economic stability.
The bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
The four bills successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East, for further scrutiny, including a public hearing.
In a statement issued from Abuja, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Chairman of the Forum, expressed the lawmakers’ commitment to thoroughly evaluating the bills to ensure they serve the national interest, particularly that of the South-South region.
The Senators also urged South-South governors to collaborate with legislators to refine the bills for the benefit of all.
Representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, the Senators passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities.
The Forum also called on stakeholders to refrain from introducing regional, ethnic, or tribal biases into the national discourse and advocated for strong consultations and discussions during the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including:
Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum
Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East)
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North)
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South)
Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North)
Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South)
Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South)
Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East)
Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West)
Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East)
Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central)
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central)
Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South)
Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central)
The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South-South region.
Sani took to popular social media platform X to react to the decision of South South senators to back the Tax Reform Bills.
He wrote: @ShehuSani The South South Senators have endorsed the Tax reform Bill.This is a strong message to all the regions in the country to look inward for sustenance and development.There are times in life,you have to be evicted from your comfort level and be challenged before you explore the possibilities and greatness in your docile and dependent life.Even Saudi and The Emirates are preparing themselves for the post oil future,so should we.There is a message in that Bill.
