Minority Caucus Warns House Against Ignoring Interim Report on Tax Law   

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Chairman of the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Laws, Afam Victor Ogene, has warned that dismissing the caucus’ interim report on alleged alterations to the Tax Reform Acts could encourage impunity and undermine the independence of the National Assembly.

Ogene’s comments came after the House Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, reportedly described the Minority Caucus’ findings as “overtaken by events” following the release of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the laws.

“Having previously served as Deputy Spokesperson of the House, I am cognisant of the public expectations attendant to such a position,” Ogene said.

He expressed concern that Agbese appeared to be speaking on behalf of the Executive** rather than defending the Legislature’s integrity.

Minority Report Did Not Accuse National Assembly

Ogene stressed that the caucus’ interim report did not indict the National Assembly or question its legislative processes. Instead, it exposed external interference after the laws were passed.

“The report highlighted the disturbing attempt by perpetrators of illegal alterations to undermine the Legislature’s functional integrity and independence,” he said, noting that the findings should concern all lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation.

Why Is the Official House Committee Still Sitting?

Questioning claims that the issue was resolved, Ogene noted that a separate ad-hoc committee chaired by Muktar Aliyu Betara, is still examining discrepancies between the passed laws and the gazetted versions.

“If the matter has been overtaken by events, why is the Betara Committee still sitting and has not been dissolved by the House?” he asked.

CTCs Do Not Replace Accountability

While the issuance of Certified True Copies clarified the authentic versions of the laws, Ogene argued that it, does not address alleged wrongdoing.

“The only clarity is that external actors within government bureaucracy flagrantly undermined the National Assembly’s constitutional authority,” he said, warning that dismissive responses could embolden such conduct*.

Appeal to House Leadership

Ogene cautioned that ignoring the alleged alterations would weaken democratic institutions, emphasizing that accountability strengthens governance.

He, however, expressed confidence in the House leadership, led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, to safeguard legislative independence and uphold the public interest.