A tense confrontation unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, November 27, as lawmakers passionately debated the contentious Tax Reform Bill, which had not been originally included in the day’s agenda.
The debate was triggered when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) to suspend Senate Rules, allowing the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarification on the bill.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who was overseeing the session, backed the motion, and approval was given for the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to enter the chamber.
The decision quickly provoked discontent among certain senators, with Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume at the forefront of the opposition. Clearly frustrated, Ndume contended that Senate rules forbid guests from addressing issues not included on the Order Paper. He emphasized the need to follow procedural guidelines, cautioning that disregarding established rules could compromise the Senate’s credibility and erode public confidence.
“This is a crucial issue. We must not misuse the authority of the Senate, as the Order Paper is explicit,” Ndume asserted.
“We must adhere to established procedures. If this issue is to be discussed today, there should be a supplementary Order Paper reflecting it,” Ndume insisted. He further stated, “Nigerians, including the Governors and the National Economic Council, have spoken. We must ensure that we represent the people’s interests, as we pledged to do by the Bible and the Quran.”
Despite Ndume’s objections, Deputy Senate President Barau stood his ground, asserting that the Senate’s actions were in accordance with its rules. “We are not here for empty talk; we are here for facts,” Barau retorted, dismissing Ndume’s concerns.
The disagreement intensified, plunging the chamber into chaos as lawmakers exchanged heated arguments across the floor.
Ultimately, Ndume was ruled out of order, allowing the FIRS chairman and tax experts to proceed with their presentation on the proposed Tax Reform Bill, effectively bringing the tense standoff to a close.
The incident highlighted the significant divisions within the Senate over the controversial reform, which has ignited considerable debate among lawmakers and the general public.
