Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has challenged Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s assertion that there are no issues with the new tax law passed by the Senate.
Naija News reports that Akpabio, during Wednesday’s plenary session, claimed the law was not tampered with, countering public concerns about discrepancies.
However, Ndume told Arise Television’s Prime Time programme that the law is fundamentally flawed. He highlighted that at least two versions of the Gazette exist for the new tax law and stated that he was among those who identified differences between what the Senate passed and what President Bola Tinubu signed.
Ndume said Akpabio should have established a committee to investigate the discrepancies instead of dismissing them.
He explained, “We informed the leadership that what we passed is not what the president signed. I don’t understand why Sen. Akpabio insists there are no discrepancies instead of setting up a committee to verify.
“Even Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, acknowledged that there are at least two versions of the law. Any corrections or actions must involve the National Assembly.
“My concern is not just about discrepancies; it’s about transparency. This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Why hide anything, even personal matters?
“I am surprised the Senate President said there’s no adulteration. He should have said we will investigate. The House of Representatives has already set up a committee to address this.
“I will discuss this with him. This cannot be ignored, because you cannot build on disputed grounds. And if the matter goes to court, do you think it will be dismissed? The way this has been handled so far is full of contradictions and controversy.”