The Senate plenary on Wednesday descended into chaos as tempers flared and lawmakers engaged in a heated shouting match over the contentious Tax Reform Bill, which surfaced for debate despite being absent from the Order Paper.
The uproar began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) to suspend Senate Rules, allowing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman to provide clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, supported Opeyemi’s motion, enabling the Sergeant-at-Arms to grant entry to the FIRS chairman and other tax experts.
This move infuriated Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who challenged the action by citing Senate Rules.
He argued that external visitors, such as the FIRS delegation, could not address the chamber on matters not listed in the Order Paper.
Ndume described the Tax Reform Bill as a critical issue that required strict adherence to procedure, urging the Senate to act responsibly.
“This is a very important matter, and we cannot sidestep the established procedures. If this has to be discussed today, there should be a supplementary Order Paper reflecting it. Nigerians have spoken, and this matter deserves proper handling,” Ndume asserted.
Despite his passionate plea, Deputy Senate President Barau dismissed Ndume’s objections, maintaining that the Senate was operating within its rules.
“You’ve made your point. We are not here for rhetoric; we are here for facts,” Barau stated.
The disagreement led to a chaotic atmosphere in the chamber as lawmakers clashed over the proceedings.
Ultimately, Ndume was ruled out of order, and the FIRS chairman, along with other tax experts, addressed the Senate on the proposed Tax Reform Bill.
