By Abigail Philip David
Tuesday’s plenary session of the House of Representatives descended into chaos after the spokesman of the Green Chamber, Mr. Akin Rotimi, expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bills.
Rotimi, an APC lawmaker from Ekiti State, incurred the ire of his colleagues when he attempted to present two reports on behalf of the absent Chairman of the Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Boma Goodhead. Before addressing the reports, Rotimi declared that Ekiti’s federal lawmakers unanimously supported the tax bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024.
His statement provoked loud protests from members, who interrupted him with shouts of “No, no!” Despite repeated attempts by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to restore order, tensions ran high as lawmakers rejected any discussion related to the tax bills.
“He is expressing his personal opinion,” Abbas clarified, attempting to downplay the comments. Rotimi, under pressure, withdrew his statement, saying, “I withdraw the introduction. I will introduce myself properly.” However, his attempt to proceed with the reports was again met with resistance.
The Speaker eventually intervened and asked Rotimi to stick strictly to the report. “I withdraw that statement on his behalf,” Abbas said, urging lawmakers to focus on the business at hand. Rotimi later resumed his presentation, avoiding any further mention of the tax bills.
In a related incident, Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese faced criticism after Tijjani Ghali, a Kano lawmaker, accused him of making unsubstantiated claims in the media. Ghali, citing a breach of privilege, alleged that Agbese’s comments implied inducement among those opposed to the tax bills.
“This insinuation is injurious to me, my people, my religion, and my region,” Ghali stated, demanding an investigation and public apology. Sada Soli, a Katsina lawmaker, moved to refer the matter to the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu assured members of an investigation, emphasizing that points of privilege must follow due process. The developments highlighted the deep divisions within the House over the proposed tax reforms.
