A heated exchange erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday over President Bola Tinubu’s contentious Tax Reform Bills.
The tension began when Akin Rotimi, House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, made a comment while presenting a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring in place of the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead.
Introducing himself, Rotimi stated: “My name is Akin Rotimi Jr., representing the people of Ekiti North, covering 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.”
His comment triggered an uproar among lawmakers, who loudly rejected the statement, chanting “No, No, No!”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas stepped in, advising Rotimi to stay on topic and warning against discussing the controversial tax bills. “Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very contentious issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement,” the Speaker said.
Rotimi apologized and retracted his remark, but the lawmakers were not appeased, insisting that the report be withdrawn entirely.
Succumbing to the demands, Rotimi eventually said, “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report.”