The Senate will consider the Tax Reform Bills 2024 after the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr and Easter holidays, according to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).
He confirmed that the red chamber is thoroughly reviewing all public concerns related to the bills.
Bamidele also responded to new allegations against the Senate President by former lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo, dismissing them as baseless and malicious.
During an empowerment event in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Bamidele stated that the ongoing review of the Constitution would lead to more efficient governance.
He emphasized that the process is progressing and will contribute to a more responsive system when completed.
The event, which benefitted over 5,000 constituents across five local councils in Ekiti Central, saw Bamidele reflecting on the key legislative actions taken by the 10th Senate since its inauguration on June 13, 2023.
These initiatives, he noted, are aimed at stabilizing the country’s democracy, strengthening the economy, and addressing critical issues such as inflation and security.
Bamidele pointed out the importance of the Tax Reform Bills 2024, among other key legislative actions, in creating a functional governance structure to support the nation’s economic stability.
He also highlighted his role in shaping and prioritizing significant legislative frameworks.
The empowerment program included a variety of support for constituents, such as one Caterpillar tractor, 10 diesel engine tractors, 536 sewing machines, and 303 chest freezers.
Additionally, 1,900 individuals received grants of N100,000 each to boost their businesses, while others were given motorcycles, tricycles, and mini buses to improve local transportation.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji acknowledged Ekiti’s benefit from President Bola Tinubu’s request for Bamidele to serve at the federal level.
Meanwhile, Senator Elisha Abbo, who was removed from the Senate by judicial ruling, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of being behind his removal.
Abbo also accused Akpabio of putting suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in danger by withdrawing her security details.
Abbo, in an appearance on Arise News PrimeTime show, claimed, “He sat like an emperor and ordered her suspension, stopped her salary, barred her from the National Assembly, and even instructed the Inspector-General of Police not to provide her with security. In another way, he exposed her to be killed.”
Abbo also questioned why Natasha was treated so severely, while Akpabio had clashed with former Senate President Bukola Saraki in the 8th Assembly without facing suspension.
However, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, swiftly refuted Abbo’s claims, stating that the Senate President had no involvement in the legal process leading to Abbo’s ouster.
Eyiboh also noted, “It is sad and regrettable that despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023, Abbo has returned to the same baseless claims he previously renounced.”
