Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that the four tax reform bills transmitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly remain under consideration and have not been suspended or withdrawn.

Akpabio addressed the issue during Thursday’s plenary in response to concerns raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele over media reports suggesting the bills had been suspended.

“The actions have not been suspended. The bills have not been withdrawn. And the bills have passed second reading in the Senate,” Akpabio stated, emphasizing that legislative work on the proposals is ongoing.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin had earlier announced the formation of an ad hoc committee to engage with a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to address contentious areas of the bills. Jibrin also suggested temporarily pausing public hearings on the proposals until after these discussions.

However, Akpabio clarified that this step does not halt the finance committee’s work, signaling the continuation of deliberations.

Bamidele explained that as executive bills, they can only be withdrawn by the executive branch. “The tax reform bills are alive in this hallowed chamber. They are receiving consideration at various levels,” he said.

He called for public patience, emphasizing the legislative process and the Senate’s responsibility to thoroughly scrutinize the bills.

Addressing criticism, Bamidele stressed that the National Assembly will not tolerate intimidation. “Any attempt from any quarter to intimidate the parliament would be undemocratic. We will encourage discussions and engagement at all levels but cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure,” he said.

The Senate’s discussions on the tax reform bills, aimed at addressing national revenue challenges, continue with a focus on consensus-building and transparency.