The Nigerian Senate has paused deliberations on the controversial tax reform bills following widespread public discontent and opposition from key stakeholders, including northern governors.

The decision was announced during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.

The contentious bills, including the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, have faced criticism for their perceived negative impact on certain regions.

Critics argue that the proposed changes to the value-added tax (VAT) distribution formula could disproportionately affect northern states.

READ MORE: Atiku Condemns Farotimi’s Arrest, Cautions Against APC’s One-Party-State Agenda

In light of the backlash, the Senate has directed its Committee on Finance to halt public hearings and any further action on the bills. Additionally, a special committee comprising Senate leaders has been established to engage with the executive branch and the judiciary.

Barau stated, “The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation. We are committed to resolving these issues in collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government.”

The committee is scheduled to meet with the Attorney General of the Federation to address the contentious aspects of the bills. The Senate emphasized the importance of unity and consensus to navigate Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

The suspension underscores the Senate’s role as a stabilising force in the face of national disagreements.

The arrest in Lagos State by the Ekiti State Police Command of critic and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi continues to receive wide condemnation from the Nigerian public.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar has joined a legion of well-meaning Nigerians calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi.

In lending his voice to the call on Wednesday, the former vice president took to his socials to declare that Farotimi’s abduction “serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship”.

ALSO READ: Police Arrest Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi

Atiku sees no reason, except for dictatorial tendencies and priming Nigeria for a one-party-state that ‘state enforcers’ should be involved in purely civil matters like defamation, through inter-state operations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

He expressed concern that it might be part of a script by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression. The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state.”

Atiku wrote, “The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent. I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offense that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions.

“This alarming trend, particularly the recent abduction — or rather, the arrest — of Dele Farotimi, is emblematic of this administration’s insidious agenda to suffocate the fundamental right to free expression. The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state. It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.

“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers. It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas. In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity. Therefore, I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi. –AA”

A leadership crisis is brewing within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a contentious power struggle over the appointment of an acting chairman during the overseas medical trip of the party’s substantive chairman, Omeni Sobotie.

The conflict ignited when the State Working Committee (SWC) appointed Paulinus Akpeki, the vice chairman of APC in the Delta Central Senatorial District, as acting chairman.

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The SWC’s decision to fill the leadership vacuum created by Sobotie’s absence has sparked a fierce backlash from factions within the party.

In a move that has deepened the rift, the state’s deputy chairman, Francis Obigbor, rejected Akpeki’s appointment, declaring himself the rightful acting chairman in line with the APC constitution.

According to Obigbor, the SWC’s decision violated Article 14.2(iii) of the APC constitution, which designates the deputy chairman as the acting leader in the absence of the chairman.

In a statement titled “Leadership Update: I Assume Duty As Acting Chairman of Delta APC,” Obigbor emphasized, “As the duly elected deputy chairman of the Delta state chapter of the APC, I have assumed duty as the acting chairman of the party, in accordance with Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC constitution.

“I urge all party members and the general public to disregard the statement confirming Chief Akpeki’s appointment.”

Former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a prominent leader from Delta North, joined the fray, condemning the appointment of Akpeki as a “coup” and a threat to the party’s unity.

Nwaoboshi, along with other Delta North leaders, rallied behind Obigbor’s claim to the acting chairmanship, asserting that as deputy chairman, Obigbor was the legitimate successor.

“We unequivocally and unanimously endorse the emergence of Barr Francis Obigbor as the acting chairman of APC Delta state, in strict accordance with the APC constitution,” Nwaoboshi declared.

“We will not stand idly by while the Delta Central senatorial district attempts to rob the Delta North senatorial district of the position to which it was duly elected at the last congress.”

He warned, “The APC constitution is crystal clear on the matter of succession, and we will not allow any individual or group to flout the constitution and impose their will on the party.”

The leadership of the Delta Central APC also rejected Akpeki’s appointment.

In a joint statement, eight local government chairmen from the district argued that the appointment violated Article 14.2 of the APC constitution, which stipulates that the deputy chairman, not a senatorial vice chairman, should assume the role of acting chairman in the event of a vacancy.

The statement, signed by the chairmen of the eight local government areas, expressed concern that the SWC’s decision could destabilize the party.

“The recent appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as acting state chairman of the APC in Delta State is a blatant violation of the party’s constitution,” it read.

“This development may lead to additional upheaval inside the party if nothing is done to stop the pranks and shenanigans.”

The chairmen warned that ignoring constitutional protocols would undermine party unity and erode trust among members.

“Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests.”

In a dramatic twist, Omeni Sobotie resurfaced on December 2, 2024, announcing his return to his position as chairman after a successful medical procedure.

In a letter addressed to Paulinus Akpeki, Sobotie stated, “This is to inform you that having gone through a successful surgery, I have resumed my duties as state chairman of APC effective today, the 2nd day of December, 2024. I thank you all for your support and prayers.”