Uproar in House of Reps over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

A heated confrontation unfolded in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as members clashed over President Bola Tinubu’s contentious Tax Reform Bills. The commotion began when Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, made a statement regarding the bills while standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead.

Rotimi, while attempting to present a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, introduced himself and highlighted that his home state, Ekiti, was the first to have its National Assembly Caucus unanimously endorse the tax bills. His comment sparked an immediate uproar among lawmakers, who vocally opposed the statement, chanting “No, No, No!” in protest.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas swiftly intervened, urging Rotimi to stay on topic, stressing that the House was not currently discussing the controversial tax reforms. He advised Rotimi to retract his statement, which the spokesperson did, offering an apology to the chamber. However, the tension remained palpable as lawmakers insisted that the report be completely withdrawn.

Faced with growing pressure, Rotimi ultimately agreed, seeking the Speaker’s approval to step down the report, which was granted.