By Okechukwu Jombo
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the National Assembly did the right thing, by inviting tax experts into the chambers to brief lawmakers on the nitty-gritty of the proposed tax reform bill.
He also stated that after listening to the professionals, lawmakers and even members of the public, who watched the submissions of the experts, would have seen the need for the bill to be supported.
Akpabio spoke while receiving, in courtesy, the leadership of the Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria (ANDMON), led by His Royal Majesty, Captain Okurakpot in his office.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted
Akpabio saying during the visit, “we had some contentious bills that the public seem not to understand. We felt we can’t go into them unless we do proper education of the people. I want to thank the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the hearing from experts today on the floor of the Senate.”
“I also thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass for doing same last week, by inviting experts to brief them on the tax reforms and the way forward on tax administration in the country. I believe that after today’s session, those who had some misgivings about the bills will support it”, he said.
Speaking further, Akpabio said, “I thank our royal fathers for coming here to see what we are doing to make Nigeria a better place for all of us. I also thank you for using your positions and influence to maintain peace in the Niger Delta region, which has equally led to an increase in oil production.”
“Before now, our inability to meet up with the OPEC quota was largely due to militancy in the area, which also led to oil producing companies leaving the region after making a lot of profits. This should not be allowed to continue again.
According to Akpabio, “there is therefore the need for concrete policies to be put in place to guard against oil pollution and environmental degradation by oil companies in future areas of oil exploration.”
“Government is very committed to the cleanup of Ogoniland and completion of the East-West road for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta region,” he stated.
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the Association, Captain Okurakpot, thanked Akpabio for receiving them saying, “we thank you and your colleagues for receiving us. We are here to declare our support for your leadership of the National Assembly and to also tell you that we are happy and well pleased with your achievements as the Senate President. Meeting you today has afforded us the opportunity to rub minds with the Federal Government through your office.”
