The House of Representatives has deferred indefinitely the discussion on the Tax Reform Bills that was scheduled for Tuesday due to rising pressure from the governors of the 19 northern states.
The intended discussion was canceled in a document signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria when 73 northern legislators opposed the measures.
The legislation were rejected by 48 representatives from the Northeast, 24 federal MPs from Kano, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, a former governor of Sokoto State who represents the Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The memo suspending the debate dated November 30, 2024, is titled, ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills.’
It read, “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.
“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
A smuggled video of the Green Chamber’s closed-door session, acquired, shows North-East members debating tax reform measures.
The video shows the member from Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno State saying, “On behalf of the 48 honorable members from the destroyed North-East sub-region, I want to first and foremost depend on the stance of the three former caucus leaders. Furthermore, any government’s principal job is to ensure the well-being of its population.
