The House of Representatives erupted in chaos after Rep. Akin Rotimi's controversial comment endorsing the tax bills sparked opposition from lawmakers. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened, clarifying that the remark was personal. Rotimi retracted the statement and withdrew the report, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing tax reform debate.
The House of Representatives was plunged into chaos on Tuesday following a controversial remark by Rep. Akin Rotimi regarding the contentious tax bills. Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Rep. Boma Goodhead, began presenting a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. He stated, “I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”
This comment quickly triggered an uproar, with several lawmakers loudly objecting, chanting “No, No, No!” In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas stepped in to clarify that Rotimi’s comment was a personal one and should not be considered an official stance. The Speaker advised Rotimi to focus on the agenda and swiftly retracted the statement on his behalf.
Despite the retraction, the opposition within the chamber remained intense. Lawmakers pressed Rotimi to withdraw the entire report, and under pressure, he agreed. “I seek the leave of the Speaker and Honorable Members to step down the report,” he conceded.
This incident highlighted the volatile atmosphere surrounding the ongoing discussions on tax reform in the legislature. The sensitivity of the issue was evident, as the comment stirred significant opposition, further intensifying the contentious debate over the tax bills currently under review.
