Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws were altered after passage, insisting that the versions signed into law remain intact and unadulterated.
Akpabio made the clarification during plenary on Wednesday, following speculations that multiple versions of the tax legislation were in circulation. He assured lawmakers that the Acts signed by the President and gazetted reflected exactly what was passed by the National Assembly.
“I understand that there is another version circulating which is not in compliance with our votes and proceedings. There is no adulteration,” Akpabio said. “You can discard anything to the contrary. The four Acts have been signed by the President, gazetted, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to avoid confusion.”
To ensure transparency and eliminate doubts, the Senate President directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the four tax Acts to all senators. He stressed that the documents must only be issued by the Clerk and not released to unauthorised persons. According to him, the certification reflects the resolutions of both chambers and the harmonisation committee before presidential assent.
“So every senator is expected to go home with one today. Those absent will receive theirs directly,” Akpabio said, noting that the measure was informed by concerns arising from proceedings in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, the Senate deferred consideration of the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow members more time to study it. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that although copies of the report had been circulated, the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, was unavailable.
Akpabio supported the postponement, assuring that the Senate would not rush the process. “We will take our time and do the needful to ensure justice is done for all,” he said.
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