A heated plenary session in the Senate unfolds as President Tinubu’s economic team presents tax reform bills, sparking intense debates and political drama.
On Wednesday, a minor drama unfolded at the National Assembly in Abuja when the Senate tried to grant access to members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team into the chamber.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) proposed suspending Order 12 to permit visitors into the chamber.
Bamidele mentioned that tax experts and consultants, alongside the Director-General of the Budget Office and Zacchaeus Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Tax, were scheduled to attend the plenary session to provide lawmakers with a detailed explanation of the Tax Reform Bills.
Immediately following the submission, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP), who represents Bauchi Central, stood up and read from the Order outlining which individuals were permitted to enter the Senate plenary according to its rules.
Ningi suggested that this discussion would be more suitable at the committee level and recommended it be passed on to the finance committee, and possibly appropriations, to engage with the team.
In response, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano North) clarified that the Senate had suspended its rules to ensure transparency and allow Nigerians to watch the live proceedings and listen to discussions on the Tax Reform Bills.
He then asked the Senate leader to address the order he was subjected to.
In reply, Bamidele stated: “Mr. President, I heard the Point of Order raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, the highly distinguished and well-respected former leader of both the House and Senate.”
Mr. President, I would like to clarify that my motion was for suspension, not the invocation of Order 12. Order 12 pertains to those who are granted permission to speak in this esteemed chamber and outlines any exceptions that can be made.
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When a motion is proposed for suspension, it means the rule no longer applies. Furthermore, sir, to improve our working relationship, let me amend my motion by including that in addition to requesting the suspension of Order 12 concerning floor privileges, I am also invoking Order 1B. This order states that whenever there is no specific provision or rule in place, the Senate shall guide its own procedure.
“Mr. President, I’d like to clarify that my motion relies on invoking Order 1B of our rules and suspending Order 12. Nigerians deserve transparency, and we too seek answers. Let’s listen to what these individuals have to say.”
After providing his explanation, the deputy president called for a voice vote and then struck the gavel in favor of those voting “aye.”
Soon after, Ndume rose and stated that such a significant issue should have been included in the Order Paper. Since it wasn’t featured on a Supplementary Order Paper, he suggested it either be printed or postponed to another legislative day.
After providing an explanation, Barau advised them to steer clear of rhetoric and focus on the facts. He then declared Ndume out of order.
Just moments after the economic team members were permitted to enter the plenary, Ndume stood and raised another Point of Order. He stated that it was an insult for the Deputy Senate President to dismiss his comment as “rhetoric.”
He stated that he was, therefore, requesting an apology.
In reply, Barau chuckled and clarified that rhetoric wasn’t intended as an insult. He explained it was not a direct response to the comment but rather a general observation.
Once more, Barau declared Ndume to be out of order.
