The House of Representatives descended into chaos on Tuesday after Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for the Green Chamber, referred to the tax reform bills.
Rotimi stood to propose a motion for the consideration of two reports on behalf of Boma Goodhead, a lawmaker from Rivers State, who was absent from plenary.
The reports concerned a bill aimed at repealing the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act 2010 and enacting a new Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act.
“My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North, which includes Ikole and Oye local governments. Mr Speaker, I come from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills,” he stated.
As Rotimi continued speaking, he was abruptly interrupted by boisterous objections from his colleagues.
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker overseeing the session, attempted to restore order, insisting that Rotimi was merely expressing a personal opinion.
“He was just speaking in jest. Let us not take it seriously,” Abbas remarked.
The lawmakers remained unconvinced, repeatedly shouting, “No, no, no.”
In response, Rotimi apologised and retracted his comments regarding the tax reform bills.
“Mr Speaker, I withdraw my introduction. Allow me to introduce myself properly. Mr Speaker, may I have the opportunity to speak? Colleagues, I would like to retract that introduction and focus solely on the Order Paper,” Rotimi said.
The Speaker advised him to remain pertinent to the matter at hand.
“Mr Rotimi, you know this is a contentious issue. I urge you not to mention anything irrelevant to the subject matter. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement you made,” Abbas stated.
Rotimi attempted to reintroduce the report, but it went unseconded as protests from lawmakers persisted, leading him to withdraw it once more.
