The House of Representatives plenary session, on Tuesday, witnessed a rowdy session after a controversial remark by the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon Akin Rotimi, about the ongoing tax reform bills.
The disruption occurred when Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chairman, Hon. Boma Goodhead, tried to present a report on Nigerians’ content development and monitoring.
But his comments on the contentious tax reform bills quickly ignited sharp reactions from fellow lawmakers.
Rotimi, introducing himself as the representative for Ekiti North, comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments, proudly stated, “Ekiti State is the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”
His statement was met with immediate backlash, with lawmakers shouting “No, No, No!” and causing a disruption in the chamber.
In an attempt to calm the situation, the Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, intervened, clarifying that Rotimi’s comment was a personal opinion and should not be seen as an official position.
“The comment was made in jest. Let’s focus on the matter at hand, which is the individual you are representing,” the Speaker urged, noting that tax bills were controversial topic and not part of the current discussion.
He then instructed Rotimi to withdraw his statement.
“The issue is sensitive, and I do not want it to distract from the matter we are here to address. On behalf of all of us, I am asking you to withdraw the statement,” the Speaker said firmly.
Rotimi quickly apologized and retracted his statement, but the mood in the House remained tense.
Several lawmakers expressed their displeasure, with some calling for his resignation from handling the report.
In the end, Rotimi sought the Speaker’s permission to withdraw the report, which was granted, as the session continued amid heightened tension.
