Akpabio dismisses claims of tax laws alteration, directs distribution to all senators

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio assured lawmakers that the Tax Reform Laws that came into force in January have not been tampered with, dismissing claims that multiple versions were in circulation.

Akpabio gave the clarification during plenary yesterday, saying speculations about adulterated copies were unfounded and stemmed from documents that did not reflect the officially adopted legislative records.

“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.

“There is no adulteration. So I mean at this stage now, you can feel bold enough to discard anything that is to the contrary.”

According to the Senate President, the tax reforms comprise four separate Acts, all of which have been duly finalised and authenticated to eliminate any ambiguity.

“There are about four Acts. So the four Acts are ready and gazetted and signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) to avoid confusion,” Akpabio stated.

To ensure transparency and uniformity, he directed that authenticated copies be distributed exclusively through official channels.

“The Clerk of the Senate is hereby mandated to distribute the gazetted copies of the Tax Reform Act signed by Mr President to every senator today,” he said. “So every senator is expected to go home with one today. And then those who are not here, we will distribute them directly to the senators.”

Akpabio further cautioned against unauthorised circulation of the documents, stressing that only certified copies should be relied upon.

“This Act should not be given to any other person. It must be given by the Clerk to the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly to avoid any confusion.”

“So you take it directly from us. This has taken cognizance of what happened in the House of Representatives, in the votes and proceedings.

“And also what happened in the Senate and also what happened in the committee on harmonisation and signed by Mr President.”

The Minority Caucus Adhoc Committee of the House of Representatives had in its interim report claimed that there were clear indications that the alarm raised by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki of alteration in the document is true.

The report has since been disowned by the leadership of the House.