House Spokesman Dismisses Claims of Altered Tax Laws as “Sheer Mischief”

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has strongly rejected allegations made by Senator Ali Ndume that recently passed tax legislation was improperly altered, labeling the claims as misleading and potentially damaging to public trust.

Agbese’s rebuttal, delivered to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, follows Senator Ndume’s public criticism last week. Ndume had alleged inconsistencies between the version of the tax law passed by the National Assembly and the one signed by President Bola Tinubu, calling for an investigation.

“It is sheer mischief to suggest the tax laws were falsified,” Agbese stated, emphasizing that all standard legislative procedures were followed in passing the bills. He warned that such allegations risk creating unnecessary tension and undermining confidence in the legislature.

The House spokesman highlighted that the lower chamber has already taken proactive steps by forming a committee to examine concerns related to the tax laws, making assertions of a cover-up baseless. “This is exactly why the House set up a committee to clarify the facts,” he said.

Agbese urged against politicizing the issue, noting that established mechanisms exist to address any legitimate errors. He stressed that lawmaking must remain grounded in facts and due process, and that speculative narratives could distract from the goal of reforming Nigeria’s tax system for the public good.

The controversy first emerged late last year when some lawmakers, including Ndume and House member Abdussamad Dasuki, raised questions about potential discrepancies between the bills approved in plenary and the final versions transmitted for assent. Dasuki had earlier called for a review to safeguard legislative integrity, while Ndume insisted the differences warranted an independent probe.

While leadership in both parliamentary chambers has maintained that due process was followed, the persistent claims prompted the House of Representatives to establish a fact-finding committee. The situation continues under public scrutiny as the committee works to clarify the authenticity of the legislation.