Tensions flared in the House of Representatives on Tuesday during discussions on President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills, as lawmakers engaged in a heated shouting match.
The commotion began when Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, made a remark linking the bills to his home state of Ekiti while presenting a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring.
Rotimi stood in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead.
Rotimi said: “My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”
The statement immediately sparked an uproar among lawmakers, who vocally opposed the remark, chanting “No, No, No!” across the chamber.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened to calm the situation, cautioning Rotimi and urging him to stick to the topic at hand.
“Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement,” Abbas said.
Rotimi apologized and retracted his comment but faced continued opposition from lawmakers demanding that the report be stepped down entirely.
Yielding to pressure, Rotimi conceded, saying: “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honourable members to step down the report.”
