Reps Engage in Heated Exchange Over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills

A heated shouting match erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during discussions on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills.

The incident occurred when the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Akin Rotimi, made a contentious remark while presenting a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring.

Standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead, Rotimi introduced himself and added: “I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”

The comment triggered an uproar among lawmakers, who vocally opposed the statement, chanting “No, No, No!” in protest.

Intervening to restore order, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas cautioned Rotimi to focus on the report at hand, emphasizing that the Tax Reform Bills were not up for discussion due to their controversial nature.

“Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement,” the Speaker said.

Rotimi apologized and retracted his comment, but dissatisfaction among the lawmakers persisted. Many demanded that he step down the report entirely.

Yielding to the pressure, Rotimi conceded, saying, “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report.”

The incident underscores the contentious nature of the proposed Tax Reform Bills, which have sparked debates among lawmakers and stakeholders.