The House of Representatives has suspended indefinitely the debate on the Tax Reforms Bills earlier fixed for Tuesday following mounting pressure from the 19 northern states governors.
The planned debate was called off in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, as 73 northern lawmakers kicked against the bills.
Those who rejected the bills include 48 Reps members from the North-East, 24 federal lawmakers from Kano and a former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The memo suspending the debate dated November 30, 2024 is titled, ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills.’
It read, “I am directed by the House leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the special session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, to discuss all the tax reform bills, has been postponed to a later date.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Tax Reform Bills Will Pass- Hon. Jibrin
“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has clarified his position on the controversial tax reform bills, saying he was not an enemy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
READ ALSO: Gov. Zulum Urges Northern Senators To Reject Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill
Zulum, however, insisted that if the four tax bills currently undergoing review before the Green Chamber are passed into law, only one of the 36 states – Lagos – will be the major beneficiary.
The governor, who made the clarification on a national TV last night, said their consultation is central to democracy, and in a democratic setting, they are begging for the right to be consulted.
He also pointed out that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), will all cease to exist if the bills sail through.