Senators from the South-South geopolitical zone have expressed support for the Tax Reform Bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers, under the aegis of the South-South Senators’ Forum, listed the benefits of the four bills before the National Assembly.
The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.583; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 – SB.584; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 – SB. 585; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), the position followed the commitment of the legislators to conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with the national interests, particularly the well-being of the South South region.
They also called on the South South governors to work collaboratively with lawmakers to refine the bills for mutual benefit.
The senators, representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States, passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praising his leadership in advancing the Senate’s constitutional mandate.
The Forum urged stakeholders to avoid introducing regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue, advocating for robust interactions and consultations in the legislative process.
The communiqué was signed by 15 other Senators, including: Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) – Secretary of the Forum; Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South East); Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North); Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South); Senator Munir Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North); Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (APC, Delta South); and Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom South).
Others are Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), Senator Allwell Onyeso (PDP, Rivers East), Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), Senator Benson Agadaga (PDP, Bayelsa East), Senator Konbowei Benson (PDP, Bayelsa Central), Senator Eteng Jonah Williams (APC, Cross River Central), Senator Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), and Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central).
The Senators reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation while addressing the unique needs of the South South region.
