December 17, (THEWILL) — The member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State in the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, has raised the alarm over alleged discrepancies between the tax bills passed by the National Assembly and the version subsequently gazetted and released to the public, warning that the development amounts to a breach of the Constitution and legislative process.
Dasuki drew attention to the issue while speaking on the matter of privileges during plenary on Wednesday. He alleged that certain clauses contained in the gazetted copy of the new tax laws differ from the harmonised version approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to the lawmaker, his review of the gazetted document alongside the votes and proceedings of both chambers showed clear inconsistencies.
“I’m here today because my privilege has been breached as a member of this all-important House. We passed the tax laws on this floor. I took my time in the last three days to look at the gazetted copy, as well as the votes and proceedings of the House of Representatives and the Senate. What was passed on this floor is not what is gazetted,” Dasuki said
He expressed concern that the document currently in circulation does not reflect the decision of lawmakers.
“What is before Nigerians, which is being sold to Nigerians at the Ministry of Information, is not what was passed”, he added.
Dasuki called on Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, to compare the harmonised version approved by both chambers with the gazetted copy, insisting that lawmakers’ votes must be accurately reflected in the final law.
He further urged the House to revisit the bills as passed, requesting that all relevant documents be presented before the Committee of the Whole to enable necessary corrections.
Describing the situation as a serious constitutional violation, Dasuki said, “This is a breach of the Constitution and our laws, and this should not be taken lightly by this Honourable House.”
Responding, Speaker Abbas assured lawmakers that the leadership of the House would examine the matter thoroughly and take appropriate steps to resolve it in the interest of the nation.
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