Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), has called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to rein in its Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, following the latter’s criticism of Ndume’s position on the alleged falsification of Nigeria’s tax laws.
Ndume made the call while responding to comments by Agbese, who had dismissed the senator’s claim that there were discrepancies between the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly and the versions later gazetted and released to the public. Agbese had described the allegation as “mischievous,” insisting that the tax laws were not altered.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Ndume expressed displeasure with Agbese’s remarks, accusing him of seeking attention and attempting to curry favour with the House leadership. He argued that Agbese lacked the authority and standing to make definitive pronouncements on the issue, noting that the matter was still under investigation by a committee constituted by the House.
According to Ndume, only the committee chaired by Muktar Betara has the mandate to determine whether there are differences between the versions of the Tax Acts passed by parliament and those subsequently gazetted. He stressed that until the panel submits its report, no individual lawmaker should claim the matter has been resolved.
The senator further downplayed Agbese’s comments, attributing them to inexperience and describing them as disrespectful. He noted that his own position was based on a careful review of the votes and proceedings of the National Assembly, carried out clause by clause, which he said revealed certain inconsistencies.
Ndume maintained that even minor wording changes in legislative documents could have significant legal implications and should therefore be treated with caution. He insisted that the National Assembly should transparently compare both versions of the Tax Acts, section by section, to reassure Nigerians and uphold legislative integrity.
0 Comments