Uproar ensued in the Senate on Wednesday after the Senate President suspended its plenary to admit the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chair, Zacch Adedeji and consultants to the Senate who were invited to explain the Tax Reform Bill.
Senators Ningi and Ndume objected to the decision to suspend the business of the day to entertain a separate matter despite its validity.
According to the visibly angry senator, “The order says our business will be based on what is on the order paper and it is not on the order paper, It’s not a matter that you will just come and tell us, Mr President you can have your way, but I’ll have my say, you can use the gavel but I have my voice.
“We have issues of urgent matters. Normally it can be referred to another legislative day, I beg you in the name of God, we swear by the Bible and Koran to protect the interest of the people. Are you saying that what a senator is saying here is rhetorics?”
He was consequently ruled out of order as the senators reportedly attempted to state a walkout before they rescinded.
The Tax Reform Bill was submitted to the National Assembly on the 3rd of October. It was initially kicked against by northern governors citing its implementation as detrimental to their region. However, the President has asked both houses to deliberate on the bill.
