Senate leadership offers Senators at least $5000, other incentives to lobby passage of Tinubu’s controversial tax reforms bill
Amid the controversies being generated by President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms bill, the Nigerian Senate leadership is presently reaching to members of the Upper Chamber with at least $5000 inducement to ensure pasage of the bill, SaharaReporters can report.
Senate sources informed SaharaReporters that the leadership has reached out to each Southern senator with the offer, while some selected northern senators would be also be captured in the plot to lobby the legislators.
SaharaReporters gathered that there is presently growing fear that the legislators had been compromised in their decision to approve Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, following the money being shared within the legislative chamber to sway votes.
One of the sources noted that “the Senate leadership is offering $5,000 to each senator from Southern Nigeria and select senators from Northern Nigeria to lobby support for the tax reform bills.”
Southern Nigeria is represented by 51 senators, while Northern Nigeria has 58 senators in the chamber.
It was claimed that the Senate leadership, predominantly from Southern Nigeria, is employing a “divide and rule” strategy, targeting a few Northern senators with additional incentives and welfare promises to secure their support.
READ ALSO: Senate sets up committee to review tax reform bills amidst controversy
“For Southern senators, the leadership is reportedly attempting to evoke regional solidarity and anti-Northern sentiments while offering each senator $5000 as an inducement to back the controversial bills. Last week, all 51 Southern senators were approached with this offer,” the source added.
SaharaReporters had days ago reported that members of the Senate from the South-South region of Nigeria on Thursday announced their support for the controversial tax reform bills presented by Tinubu.
The lawmakers who announced their support of the bills in a communiqué issued in Abuja, had also reaffirmed their strong backing of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, one of the South-South states.
The communiqué was signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman), Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Secretary), Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Allwell Onyeso.
Other signatories include; Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Whereas some lawmakers, governors and political leaders from the Northern region of the country and certain groups from other parts of the country have raised resistance against the bills, calling for its withdrawal, the South-South senators stressed that their support of the bills is rooted in a shared commitment to increasing national revenue and fostering economic growth.
Part of the communiqué had read, “Following a meeting on December 4, 2024, we, the Senators from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, convened to deliberate on pressing national issues and the Senate’s role in advancing the collective interests of Nigeria. After thorough discussions, we reached the following resolutions.
“The South-South Senators unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting his leadership in guiding the Senate toward fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, including passing laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly as they work to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation that promotes good governance, national unity, and economic development.
“Understanding the critical role of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and ensuring economic stability, we have resolved to support the Tax Reform Bills.
“Our support will be based on a comprehensive review and in-depth evaluation of the bills’ contents to ensure they align with the broader interests of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.
“We call for restraint from those introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic, or tribal, into this national dialogue. We look forward to continued robust discussions and consultations as already initiated by the Senate.
“We remain committed to collaborating with our colleagues across the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to foster a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of our nation.”
Meanwhile, it was reported that the South-East Caucus in the Nigerian Senate failed to endorse the controversial tax bill.
The Senate caucus had joined called for wider consultations before the passage of the bill, insisting that there are needs for constituents, stakeholders to be consulted.
The senators had revealed their stance on Monday following a closed-door meeting of senators from the five South-East states, held in the office of their leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).
Abaribe who spoke on behalf of the caucus stated that the caucus does not oppose the proposed tax reforms.
It was stated that the caucus, however, believed that more extensive engagement with stakeholders was necessary.
He had noted that this would be important before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.
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