Conference of State Legislatures Commends Tinubu Over Tax Reform Bills
… Urges Compliance to Removal of State Assemblies’ Presiding Officers
By Gabriel Kekong
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts on the Tax Reform Bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly, saying the Conference remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting legislative independence, and ensuring good governance across all states of the federation.
The conference noted that the bills, if passed to law are expected to strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration, enabling them to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.
In a communique signed by the Conference’s Director General, Busari Sarafadeen For: Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin (Chairman) and issued to press men on Friday in Abuja, also emphasizes the need for strict compliance to the Constitution and enabling laws in removing state Houses of Assembly presiding officers, if such becomes necessary.
However, the Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws.
“We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.”
On the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly t;he Conference noted the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, therfore, called on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders to engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress. Adding, “respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.”
The Communique reads in full…
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF SPEAKERS OF STATE LEGISLATURES OF NIGERIA, HELD ON FEBRUARY 13, 2025, AT BON HOTEL, 1 MONROVIA STREET, WUSE 2, ABUJA
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, after extensive deliberations on key national and sub-national legislative matters, issues the following resolutions:
1. Leadership Change in the Lagos State House of Assembly: The Conference acknowledges the constitutional provisions for the removal of presiding officers of State Houses of Assembly and emphasizes that such processes must strictly comply with the Constitution and enabling laws. We appeal to all critical stakeholders in Lagos State to respect the independence of the legislative arm and ensure adherence to these provisions for the peace and progress of the state.
2. Crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly: The Conference notes the court judgments affirming the legitimacy of the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. We call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders engage with the duly constituted Assembly to promote stability and progress. Respect for judicial decisions and institutional harmony is essential for effective governance.
3. Tax Reform Bills: The Conference commends the President’s efforts on the tax reform bills currently undergoing legislative scrutiny at the National Assembly. We acknowledge the citizens’ concerns and believe these will guide lawmakers in passing legislation that serves the nation’s overall interests. If enacted, the reforms are expected to strengthen fiscal federalism by empowering states with greater financial autonomy through improved tax collection and administration, enabling them to fund critical infrastructure and public services for sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria remains committed to strengthening democracy, promoting legislative independence, and ensuring good governance across all states of the federation.
Busari Sarafadeen, Director-General
For: Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin (Chairman)
Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria
