The House of Representatives descended into a rowdy session on Tuesday following comments by Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the green chamber, regarding tax reform bills.
Rotimi had risen to present two reports on behalf of Hon Boma Goodhead, a Rivers lawmaker who was absent from plenary.
During his introduction, Rotimi stated, "I represent Ekiti North... the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills." His remark was met with loud protests from lawmakers, who shouted him down.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen intervened, urging calm and clarifying that Rotimi’s comment was a personal opinion made in a light-hearted manner.
Despite his intervention, the uproar continued, forcing Rotimi to apologize and withdrew his statement.
However, his subsequent reintroduction of the report failed to gain a seconder, as protests persisted.
In a related incident, Hon. Ghali Mustapha from Kano raised a point of order on privilege, citing a Daily Trust publication in which Deputy House Spokesperson Hon. Philip Agbese allegedly claimed that opponents of the tax reform bills were now seeking their speedy passage.
Mustapha, who opposed the bills, criticized the publication, calling it unprofessional, unethical, and misleading.
He demanded an apology in print media, an investigation into the claims, and even Agbese’s resignation if necessary.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu assured Mustapha that the matter would be thoroughly addressed to resolve his concerns.
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