THIS DAWN — The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has reportedly disappeared following the storm brewing in Nigeria’s National Assembly over the controversial 2025 Tax Reform Act.
According to report, senators and representatives are outraged over allegations that Senator Akpabio instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to withhold the certified copy of the harmonised Nigerian Tax Bill transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The move has triggered accusations of legislative forgery and institutional cover-up.
Lawmakers claim the version of the Tax Act gazetted for enforcement differs materially from the Bill passed by both chambers.
The allegation has raised serious constitutional concerns.
Meanwhile, despite mounting pressure, access to the official Votes and Proceedings remains restricted.
This Dawn learnt that even senior legislators are reportedly being denied access.
Lawmakers Accuse Akpabio of Concealment
Senators and members of the House of Representatives are furious after reports that the Senate President allegedly instructed the National Assembly Clerk to withhold the certified copy of the harmonised Tax Bill.
The lawmakers insist the version gazetted for enforcement is not identical to the Bill jointly passed by both chambers.
This has raised fears of legislative forgery and undermining constitutional integrity.
They also express anger that access to official Votes and Proceedings has reportedly been restricted, even to senior legislators.
The ensuing commotion has further fuelled suspicion of a cover-up.
Public Figures React to Tax Bill Scandal
Bayo Onanuga, a senior media aide to President Tinubu, has remained publicly silent on the forgery allegations, despite being tagged in calls for transparency.
On Wednesday, Onanuga sparsely posted on “X”:
“Those calling for the suspension of the Tax Act, which goes into effect in a week’s time, should listen to Taiwo Oyedele.
“As he asked, do they want a sustenance of the status quo when the poor Nigerians and small businesses are overtaxed?
Paul Ibe Retorts
Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, slammed the rush to implement the disputed Act.
He retorted to Onanuga’s plea:
“Those calling for the implementation of the Tax Act effective in a week’s time, should listen to Nigerians for a change.
“Nigerians from across all divides are unanimous that a forgery of the law as alleged cannot stand and that it’s implementation should be suspended.
“Why the hurry when an investigation has been opened into the matter. By the way only God knows what else the Tinubu government has forged.”
On his part, human rights lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, described the issue as “beyond substantial,” warning:
“The president of Senate has disappeared, along with Votes and Proceedings…
“Judges who like to throw cases out on the basis of #LocusStandi will be there to try their usual gambit.
“It will be very interesting.”
What’s at Stake
- Legislative Integrity: If proven, the alteration of the Tax Act would represent a breach of parliamentary procedure.
- Executive Accountability: Questions arise about whether the presidency knowingly assented to a forged version.
- Judicial Oversight: Courts may be asked to determine the validity of the law and whether taxes can be enforced under it.
- Public Trust: Nigerians are demanding suspension of implementation until investigations are complete.
What’s Next for the Tax Bill Act?
The controversy has sparked calls for suspension of the Act’s implementation pending investigation.
Legal action is underway, and civil society groups are demanding the release of the certified harmonised Bill.
The integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process—and the credibility of its tax regime—hangs in the balance.
The alleged concealment of the certified Tax Bill has ignited one of the most serious legislative scandals in recent memory.
Lawmakers, civil society, and prominent voices like the President of the Nigerian bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, Odinkalu and Ibe are demanding answers.
Pressure is mounting on Senate President Akpabio and the Tinubu administration to clarify the authenticity of the Tax Act before enforcement begins.
