The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that the tax laws which took effect in January were not adulterated, dismissing reports suggesting that multiple or conflicting versions of the laws were in circulation.
Akpabio made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday, assuring lawmakers and the public that the tax laws currently in force fully reflect what was passed by the National Assembly.
“I understand that there is another version that was circulating around, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings.
“There is no adulteration. At this stage, you can feel bold enough to discard anything to the contrary,” Akpabio said.
He explained that four Tax Reform Acts had been properly processed, gazetted, signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to eliminate any form of ambiguity.
To prevent further confusion, the Senate President directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the gazetted tax laws to all senators.
“Every senator is expected to go home with one today. Those who are absent will receive theirs directly.
“These Acts must not be given to any other person except through the Clerk of the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” he stressed.
Akpabio added that the documents captured deliberations and resolutions from both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as the work of the Harmonisation Committee, before receiving presidential assent.
However, the clarification comes amid earlier public concerns raised by the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, who had described the new tax laws as flawed.
Speaking during a live programme on Arise Television, Ndume claimed there were discrepancies between what was passed by the National Assembly and what was eventually signed into law by the President. He said he had personally approached some authorities to raise the issue, although he did not disclose specific individuals or institutions he contacted.
The Senate President’s intervention on Wednesday appeared aimed at putting such concerns to rest, insisting that only the certified and gazetted versions of the tax laws represent the authentic legal position.
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report of the Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers adequate time to study it.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the delay was due to the temporary absence of the committee chairman, Sen. Simon Lalong, noting that copies of the report had already been circulated.
Responding, Akpabio said the Senate would not rush the process.
“We don’t need to rush the report. We will take our time, do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all and sundry,” he said.
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