The Nigerian Senate was engulfed in chaos as tempers flared over the contentious Tax Reform Bill proposed by President Tinubu.
The bill, which unexpectedly surfaced for debate despite not being listed on the Order Paper, sparked a heated exchange among senators.
The uproar began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) to suspend the Senate Rules, allowing the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the bill.
This move was supported by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session and approved the entry of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts into the chamber.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume vehemently opposed this decision, citing Senate Rules that prohibit external speakers from addressing the chamber unless their subject is officially scheduled for discussion.
"This is a very important matter," Ndume asserted, emphasizing the need for adherence to proper legislative procedures. He argued that the Tax Reform Bill was too significant to be handled without due process, stating, "Nigerians have spoken, the Governors, the National Economic Council."
Despite Ndume's passionate plea, Deputy Senate President Barau dismissed his concerns, insisting that the Senate's actions were within its rules. "You have made your point. Now we are not here for rhetoric. We are here for facts," Barau retorted, attempting to restore order as the chamber descended into a shouting match.
Ultimately, Ndume was ruled out of order, and the FIRS chairman, along with other tax experts, was allowed to address the Senate on the proposed reforms.
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