After Caucus Meeting South-South Senators Endorse Tinubu’s Controversial Tax Reform Bills
Members of the Senate from the South-South region of Nigeria on Thursday announced their support for the controversial tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu and are being considered by the National Assembly.
The lawmakers who announced their support of the bills in a communiqué issued in Abuja, also reaffirmed their strong backing of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, one of the South-South states.
The communiqué was signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman), Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Secretary), Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Allwell Onyeso.
Other signatories include; Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Whereas some lawmakers, governors and political leaders from the Northern region of the country and certain groups from other parts of the country have raised resistance against the bills, calling for its withdrawal, the South-South senators stressed that their support of the bills is rooted in a shared commitment to increasing national revenue and fostering economic growth.
Part of the communiqué read, “Following a meeting on December 4, 2024, we, the Senators from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, convened to deliberate on pressing national issues and the Senate’s role in advancing the collective interests of Nigeria. After thorough discussions, we reached the following resolutions.
“The South-South Senators unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting his leadership in guiding the Senate toward fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, including passing laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly as they work to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation that promotes good governance, national unity, and economic development.
“Understanding the critical role of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and ensuring economic stability, we have resolved to support the Tax Reform Bills.
“Our support will be based on a comprehensive review and in-depth evaluation of the bills’ contents to ensure they align with the broader interests of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.
“We call for restraint from those introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic, or tribal, into this national dialogue. We look forward to continued robust discussions and consultations as already initiated by the Senate.
“We remain committed to collaborating with our colleagues across the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to foster a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of our nation.”
