The deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, has revealed that some state governors are threatening to deny federal lawmakers re-election tickets in the 2027 general election unless they withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
Agbese stated that in response to these threats, lawmakers intend to engage with Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, as well as other prominent tax experts to discuss the details of the proposed bills.
He stated, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.
“As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.
“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.”
Waxing spiritual, Agbese quoted Isaiah 54:15, saying, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”
Oyedele, however, reassured the public that the tax reform proposals were not intended to undermine any region of the country, according to ThisDay.
The four tax reform bills, which President Tinubu transmitted to the National Assembly on September 3, are based on recommendations from Oyedele’s committee. They include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at establishing a fiscal framework for taxation; the Tax Administration Bill, which seeks to create a clear legal framework for taxes and reduce disputes; the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, designed to establish a tax tribunal and tax ombudsman.
Despite this, Nigeria’s 36 governors have called for the withdrawal of the executive bills, arguing that more consultation and public input are needed. President Tinubu has rejected this request, insisting that amendments to certain clauses can be made during the legislative process.
Agbese, speaking to reporters in Abuja, disclosed that some governors were holding meetings in anticipation of the National Assembly’s resumption to consider the tax bills and other significant legislations. He claimed that these governors were pressuring lawmakers from their states, even threatening to deny them re-election tickets if they supported the tax reform bills.
Nevertheless, Agbese emphasized that neither he nor his colleagues would be swayed from their position, as long as the bills were aimed at improving the economy. He expressed confidence in the unity of the House of Representatives, stating that lawmakers were committed to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to rejuvenate the economy.
He further noted that the current members of the 10th National Assembly were a different breed of politicians, intellectually sound and progressive-minded. Agbese stressed that lawmakers were elected by their constituents, not by the governors, and they would continue to support policies that benefit the Nigerian people.
Ahead of the National Assembly’s resumption on Tuesday, Agbese revealed that the House leadership had distributed copies of the tax bills to all members for review. Lawmakers would meet with Oyedele and other tax experts to gain a deeper understanding of the bills before the debate. He added that the legislation was likely to pass, though some amendments may be made during the legislative process.