By Uche Onyeali
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that the newly implemented tax laws were altered after passage by the National Assembly.
Akpabio, who addressed the controversy during plenary, said the gazetted law reflects the votes of lawmakers in the National Assembly.
The Senate president gave the clarification, following public concerns raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dakuku, who had alleged discrepancies between the tax reform bills passed by lawmakers and the copies later made available to the public.
According to Akpabio, any document circulating outside the officially certified versions should be disregarded, as it does not represent the outcome of the National Assembly’s deliberations.
He noted that the versions gazetted and signed into law fully reflect legislative proceedings in both chambers.
“I understand that there is another version that was circulating around, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings,” Akpabio said, adding that there was “no adulteration whatsoever” in the final laws.
He said four tax-related acts had completed the full legislative process and were duly signed by President Bola Tinubu, gazetted and certified by the clerk to the National Assembly to eliminate confusion.
“The four acts are ready, gazetted and signed by the president and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, to avoid confusion,” he said, noting that the documentation reflects the resolutions reached during harmonisation between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
To reinforce confidence in the process, Akpabio directed the clerk of the Senate to distribute certified copies of the Tax Reform Act to all senators, warning that the documents must not be released through unofficial channels.
“So every senator is expected to go home with one today,” he said, noting that those absent would receive their copies directly.
Akpabio cautioned that the documents should only be issued by the clerk to prevent further speculation.
He said the final texts incorporated proceedings from both chambers, including the outcome of the harmonisation committee, before receiving presidential assent.
Meanwhile, the Senate postponed consideration of the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters to allow lawmakers more time for review.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele said the delay was partly due to the absence of the Chairman of the committee, Simon Lalong.
Although copies of the report had been circulated, Bamidele added that senators would study the document ahead of further deliberations, including a closed-door session to examine key provisions.
Akpabio backed the decision, saying the upper chamber would prioritise thoroughness over speed.
“We don’t need to rush the report,” he said, adding that the Senate would ensure due process and fairness in its consideration.
