From Victor Osula, Abuja
The House of Representatives erupted into chaos on Tuesday following a controversial statement by the House Spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Akin Rotimi, regarding the contentious tax reform bills.
The tension began after Rotimi moved a motion for the consideration of the report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, on behalf of Boma Goodhead (PDP, Rivers).
“My name is Akin Rotimi Jr., and I represent the people of Ekiti North, comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills,” Rotimi stated, igniting a firestorm of protests from members.
As the uproar grew, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who was presiding over the session, intervened and withdrew Rotimi’s statement.
“Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing the tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement,” the Speaker declared.
Amid the chaos, the report failed to garner a seconder, prompting Rotimi to step down its consideration and move into the committee of the whole.
“I seek the leave of the Speaker and Honourable Members to step down the report,” Rotimi said.
The drama continued when, upon resumption from the committee of the whole, Rep. Mustapha Ghali (NNPP, Kano) raised a point of order under Rule 6, Order 5, to lodge a complaint against the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese (APC, Benue).
“I woke up this morning to see an online publication from the Deputy Spokesman, in which it was stated that ‘those opposed to the tax reform bills are now seeking speedy passage.’ Mr. Speaker, I am one of the first to oppose these bills, yet the Deputy Spokesman did not contact me as a stakeholder or seek my opinion on this issue,” Ghali complained.
He went on to accuse Agbese of insinuating that opposition to the tax bills was motivated by some form of inducement.
He said, “What this suggests is that those of us who opposed the tax bills are being accused of some underhand dealings.
“Mr. Speaker, I am calling for the withdrawal of this statement, an investigation, and an apology in print media. This is injurious to me, my people, my religion, and my political party.”
Ghali demanded that Agbese either apologize or resign from his position.
The altercation left the House in turmoil, with further calls for action and clarification surrounding the handling of the controversial tax reform bills.
