Government officials deny government is threatening lawmakers

Less A week after reports emerged that governors were threatening to deny tickets to federal lawmakers to contest National Assembly seats in the 2027 general elections for supporting tax reform bills, some lawmakers have denied the claim.

On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Deputy Press Secretary of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, said some governors are threatening to deny federal lawmakers tickets if they do not withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. . for consideration.

The President presented four tax reform bills to the National Assembly in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Budget and Tax Reforms, led by Taiwo Oyedele, to review the current tax laws.

These include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide a fiscal framework for taxation in the country, as well as the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others are the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which would repeal the Federal Revenue Service Act and create the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Integrated Tax Council Establishment Bill, which would create a tax tribunal and tax ombudsman.

Reacting to tax reform proposals, the governors of 19 northern states rejected a proposed move to a derivation-based value-added tax distribution model on October 29, 2024, arguing that the model would disadvantage the region compared to its southern counterpart.

Days later, 36 state governors rejected the bills and demanded they be withdrawn to allow more consultation.

Agbese, talking to Sunday PUNCH on Friday said the threat against lawmakers was real.

“It has become more than just a threat,” he added.

But his colleagues, in separate interviews with the publication Sunday Punch, said governors are becoming champions of reform bills.

The member representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte/Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency of Imo State, Chike Okafor, said: “I am not aware of any governors threatening to deny their legislators return tickets if they support the tax bills. I am from Imo State and a member of the All Progressives Congress, the same party as my governor. I work closely with him. I can confirm that he did not ask us legislators in Imo State not to support the tax bills.

“Don’t forget that he was a consummate legislator, serving two consecutive terms in the Senate. Again, don’t forget that he is the chairman of the Progressive Governor’s Forum.”

Also, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, said the governors most likely to oppose the proposed reforms are those who have not taken the time to familiarize themselves with their contents.

“If any governor who reads this bill decides to deny a member a return ticket, it means that the governor did not read the bill carefully enough. But I believe that the majority of governors have read the bill and now fully support it. I fully support this bill because it is a game changer and progressive. It redistributes wealth and leaves no state behind,” Babajimi said.

On his part, People’s Democratic Party member and Niger State MP, Joshua Gana, downplayed any threat from state governors, adding that God determines who becomes the leader at any given time.

“Almighty God raises men to positions of leadership in every country. None of the MPs on the 2027 candidate list are in any danger of returning elected. We are representatives of the people who will only do what is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians,” Gana said.

Similarly, Labor Party member for Abia State, Alex Ikwecheg, questioned the possibility of any governor opposing the bills.

“I don’t know about it and I don’t think my governor is going down that path,” he said.

The bills are expected to be discussed by lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives in plenary sessions on Tuesday, November 26.

Meanwhile, the APC and the Labor Party have expressed differing views on the bills.

APC National Director of Public Affairs Bala Ibrahim said that instead of scrapping the bills, the National Assembly should subject them to further consultation.

The APC spokesman also expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged threats and blackmail against lawmakers, saying such things should not be tolerated in a democracy.

He said: “Blackmail is not allowed in the constitution or in the type of democracy we practice in Nigeria. I think all parties need to use the lobbying tool. If you have a mission you want to achieve, you need to lobby.

“Lobby until you can gain the trust and conviction of the people who are going to discuss this issue. Therefore, this tax issue needs to be addressed through wider consultation. All parties need to consult widely. There is a lot of fear about this and also comes harm.

“We don’t want this issue to be looked at with an ulterior motive or anything done to change this or that part of the country. Let’s look at this with a patriotic mind and subject it to proper and further scrutiny by experts who know what’s going on. Then we can use the lobbying tool.”

But LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifo has questioned why the Tinubu administration has been tormented by ideas of taxation and credit since its inauguration on May 29, 2023.

“The only thing I will say is that this government imposes so many taxes that it looks like a government that rules through taxes. Although they are busy taxing people, they are equally involved in borrowing. Now the question is: where is all this money going? Nigerians are yet to experience the benefits.

“This is not about taxes or how to divide the income. We are talking about the correct distribution of funds received from taxes. If you get money and use it to make the economy stable and provide food, that will be good. But as I speak to you, they are still busy debating when to pay the N70,000 minimum wage and it is not adding up.

“So the problem is that taxation in Nigeria is killing. Last time I asked, they claimed they were taxing the rich. This is not true. They tax everyone because, after all, the tax is added to what the rich put up for sale on the market. This leaves people with no choice but to buy. So it still reaches the masses.”

However, the PDP and NNPP called on the National Assembly to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over political interests during deliberations.

NDP Deputy National Secretary for Public Affairs Timothy Osadolor stressed that bills should not be limited to political party deliberations.

He said: “The most important position belongs to Nigerians. It is also important that all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, ensure that there is a tax system that is fair for everyone, no matter where you come from, who you are, where you live, or even what religion you practice. exercise. What is fair must be fair.”

Also, the NAPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, urged lawmakers to approach the bill with courage and critically evaluate it for the benefit of all Nigerians.