BREAKING: Chaos erupts in House of Reps over Tinubu’s controversial tax bills
There was a dramatic scene in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, December 3, as lawmakers clashed over President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. The argument broke out when Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, made a comment that set off the tension.
The trouble started when Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead, was presenting a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. During his speech, he said, “I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”
This statement sparked an immediate outcry from other lawmakers, who loudly shouted “No, No, No!” in protest.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas quickly stepped in, trying to calm things down. He told Rotimi to stay on topic, saying, “We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement.”
Rotimi immediately apologized and took back his comment, but the lawmakers were still upset. They demanded that Rotimi step down the entire report. Rotimi gave in to the pressure, asking for permission from the Speaker and his colleagues to pull the report. “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report,” Rotimi said, ending the tense moment.
