The South-East caucus in the Senate has clarified that it is not opposed to the four tax reform bills.
President Bola Tinubu proposed the bills to the National Assembly in October, but they have faced resistance from northern governors and some lawmakers. This opposition prompted the National Economic Council (NEC) to advise Tinubu to withdraw the bills for further consultations, though he declined the request.
The bills are currently at the public hearing stage in the Senate after successfully passing the second reading. In a press briefing following a caucus meeting in Abuja, Enyinnaya Abaribe, leader of the South-East senators, outlined their position on the reforms. Abaribe explained that the South-East senators are not against the bills but believe they require more extensive consultation with stakeholders.
“We need to consult with our constituents across the 15 senatorial districts in the zone, as well as state governments,” he said. The senator representing Abia South emphasized the importance of engaging with local stakeholders to ensure a fair and balanced framework for the reforms. He made it clear that their stance is based on the need for proper consultation, not opposition to the bills themselves.
Following the meeting, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North posted on X, confirming the caucus’s position. Kalu reiterated that the South-East senators agreed on the necessity of “extensive consultations with all major stakeholders” to achieve a more equitable outcome for the region.
