A heated confrontation erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Tuesday during discussions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills. The disagreement highlighted sharp divisions among lawmakers over the proposed reforms.
The uproar began when Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, attempted to deliver a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. Rotimi, substituting for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead, unexpectedly referenced the contentious tax bills, sparking immediate outrage.
Introducing himself, Rotimi remarked: “My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”
This statement was met with loud opposition from lawmakers, who chanted “No, No, No!” to express their disapproval. The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, quickly intervened to calm the tension, advising Rotimi to focus solely on the report at hand.
“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,” Abbas stated.
Rotimi promptly apologized and withdrew his remarks, but dissatisfaction lingered among the members. The lawmakers demanded the complete withdrawal of the report. Facing mounting pressure, Rotimi conceded, saying: “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report.”
