In a bold display of legislative independence, Hon. Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson for the House of Representatives, has disclosed that some state governors are pressuring federal lawmakers to withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
The governors, according to Agbese, have gone as far as threatening to withhold re-election endorsements for lawmakers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbese revealed these developments while reiterating the House’s unwavering commitment to advancing the proposed reforms.
He stated that the lawmakers plan to consult extensively with tax specialists, including Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, to ensure the bills serve the best interests of Nigerians.
“Some of these governors are threatening members from their states,” Agbese said. “They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.
“As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.”
He emphasized that the House, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is united across party lines in its determination to enact laws that prioritize the interests of the electorate.
“The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-minded, and pro-Nigeria.
“We were not elected by the governors but by our constituents, and as far as the legislation will work for those who elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly, and powerfully to see the light of the day,” he said.
As part of their consultative approach, lawmakers are set to meet with Oyedele and other tax experts to dissect the bills and gather input for the forthcoming debates.
Copies of the bills have been distributed to members to encourage thorough review and constructive contributions.
The Tax Reform Bills are a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic agenda, aimed at creating a more robust and equitable fiscal system to drive Nigeria’s development.
Despite the mounting pressures from some governors, the lawmakers’ firm stance underscores their resolve to champion reforms that align with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
