A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, has raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the gazetted copy of the new tax laws.
Speaking at Wednesday’s plenary session, Dasuki claimed that the gazetted version differs from the harmonized version passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Dasuki argued that his privilege as a lawmaker was breached.
He urged the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, to investigate and address the issue, calling it a breach of the Constitution.
He said: “I’m here today because my privilege has been breached as a member of this all-important House. Mr Speaker, Honorable colleagues, we passed the tax laws (bills) on this floor. I took my time in the last three days to look at the gazetted copy.
“I also looked at the votes and proceedings of the House of Representatives, and also went an extra mile to look at the votes and proceedings of the Senate, which were harmonized.
“Mister Speaker, Honorable colleagues, what was passed on this floor is not what is gazetted. I’m coming under privilege, because I was here. I gave my vote, and it was counted, and I’m seeing something completely different.
“On that note and on this privilege, I call on Mr Speaker to graciously look at what was harmonized and what is in the gazetted copy- what was passed in the House and the Senate.
“You will find out that what is before Nigerians, which is being sold to Nigerians at the Ministry of Information, is not what was passed.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker assured that the House would look into the matter and resolve it in the nation’s interest.
The tax bills in question aim to clarify taxation powers, prevent multiple taxation, and enhance fiscal transparency in Nigeria.
Dasuki’s concerns highlight the need for transparency and accuracy in the legislative process, ensuring that the laws passed reflect the intentions of the lawmakers and serve the best interests of Nigerians.