Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday dismissed claims that Nigeria’s newly implemented tax laws had been altered, insisting that the versions signed into law remain intact and unadulterated.
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio addressed speculations that multiple versions of the tax laws were in circulation. He clarified that the circulating versions were not in compliance with the official votes and proceedings.
“There is no adulteration. The four Acts are ready, gazetted, and signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to avoid confusion,” Akpabio said.
He directed the Clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the Acts to all senators, stressing that the documents must not be released to unauthorized persons. “Every senator is expected to go home with one today. Those who are not here will receive theirs directly. This Act should not be given to any other person,” he said.
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The Senate also deferred consideration of the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers more time to study it. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong, was not immediately available, though copies of the report had been circulated to senators.
“But copies have been circulated. We will allow senators to go home with the report and study it. When we reconvene tomorrow, we will hold a brief closed-door session to debate the critical clauses of the bill and pass it,” Bamidele said.
Akpabio added that there was no need to rush the report, assuring that the Senate “will take our time and do the needful, and ensure justice is done for all and sundry.”