Fiery Confrontation in Nigerian Senate Over Tax Reform Bill.

On Wednesday, November 27, a significant confrontation unfolded in the Nigerian Senate as lawmakers engaged in a vigorous debate concerning the contentious Tax Reform Bill, which had not been included in the Order Paper for discussion.

The debate was initiated by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, who invoked Order 12(1) to suspend Senate Rules, thereby permitting the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications regarding the bill. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, presiding over the session, supported this motion, leading to the approval of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to enter the chamber.

However, this decision incited considerable frustration among several senators, notably Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who vocally opposed the motion. Ndume, visibly agitated, contended that allowing guests to speak on matters not listed on the Order Paper contravened Senate rules. He underscored the necessity of adhering to procedural protocols, cautioning that such deviations could jeopardize the Senate’s legitimacy and erode public trust.

“This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the Order Paper is clear,” Ndume asserted. He further emphasized the need for a supplementary Order Paper to reflect any changes, highlighting the voices of Nigerians and the National Economic Council in the discourse.

In response, Deputy Senate President Barau firmly maintained that the Senate’s actions were consistent with its regulations, stating, “We are not here for rhetoric. We are here for facts.” This exchange escalated tensions, leading to a chaotic scene as lawmakers shouted across the floor.

Ultimately, Ndume was ruled out of order, allowing the FIRS chairman and tax experts to present their perspectives on the proposed Tax Reform Bill. This incident not only highlighted the contentious nature of the reform but also underscored the deep divisions within the Senate, reflecting the broader public debate surrounding the issue.