The Senate has witnessed heightened tensions as Senator Ndume strongly opposed Zacch Adedeji’s entry during discussions on tax bills.
There was a commotion in the Senate on Wednesday after Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, protested the entry of Zacch Adedeji, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chair, into the red chamber.
Adedeji was present to brief lawmakers on tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu. In October, Tinubu requested the National Assembly to deliberate on and pass four tax reform bills.
However, Adedeji’s appearance was not listed in the Senate’s order paper, prompting Opeyemi Bamidele, the majority leader, to move a motion to suspend the chamber’s rules.
Citing Senate regulations, Ndume argued that visitors could not address the chamber unless their appearance was included in the order paper. He insisted a supplementary order paper should have been prepared to reflect the briefing by Adedeji and other tax experts.
“This is a very important matter. We should not in any way try to use the position of the Senate because the order paper is clear,” Ndume stated.
“I have no problem having them come to explain whatsoever but we must follow known procedures.
“Mr President, you can have your way, but I will have my say. You can use your gavel and I will use my voice. The tax reform bill is very sensitive, our people have been dominated by this matter.
“When you say it is a matter of urgent national importance, yes, but even those matters normally refer to another legislative day if they are so inconvenient.
“Please, I beg you in the name of God. This matter is very important to not only us, but Nigerians that we represent, and we swore by the Bible and Holy Quran that we will represent the interest of the people.”
Barau Jibrin, the deputy Senate president, countered Ndume’s objections, stating the Senate was operating within its rules.
“You have made your point. Now we are not here for rhetorics,” Jibrin said.
Before Jibrin could finish, the chamber became rowdy. It took some time to restore order, after which Adedeji was escorted into the chamber by a sergeant-at-arms.
Ndume has expressed opposition to the proposed tax reform bills.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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