The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday averted what could have degenerated into a rowdy session at the Plenary following a comment made by House Spokesperson, Rep Akin Rotimi on the tax bills presented to the parliament by President Bola Tinubu.
It all began when the Lawmaker was recognized to present a report on Nigerian content development and monitoring, on behalf of the Committee chairman, Rep Boma Goodhead who was absent on the floor.
The Lawmaker while introducing himself had 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”.
At this point Lawmakers got agitated and began to chant No, No, No then the house was thrown into a rowdy session.
Sensing trouble, Speaker waded in and calmed down the agitating members saying that Rep Akin Rotimi was expressing his own personal opinion.
According to the Speaker, “He is expressing his personal opinion.’ He was just talking on a lighter note. Let’s not take it serious.
“Restrict yourself to the person you are representing here. We are not talking about tax bills. It is a very controversial issue. He therefore asked Rotimi to withdraw the statement.
“You know this is a controversial issue. I don’t want you to be mentioning things that are not relevant to the subject matter. On your behalf, I withdraw that statement that you have made.
In a swift response, the Lawmaker apologised, and withdrew the statement but however members were very angry and demanded he step down the report.
He was not allowed to present the report and was forced to step the report down.
Seeing the mod of his Colleagues, Rep Rotimi however sought the leave of the Speaker and members to step down the report was allowed by the House.
Credit: Tribune
