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”.

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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 fire outbreak has destroyed election materials, including 706 ballot boxes, at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a power surge after the restoration of public electricity.

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The fire completely consumed the stores section of the office, which housed critical election materials.

Items lost in the inferno included 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and other election-related items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.

“The stores section of the office, where petrol generators and other items were kept, was completely razed,” Olumekun said. “Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.”

Olumekun added that the incident had been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.

He commended the quick response of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service in managing the situation.

Ika North-East is one of 25 local government areas in Delta State and plays a significant role in elections with 14 wards, 238 polling units, and 131,747 registered voters.

INEC assured the public that steps are being taken to address the loss and maintain its preparations for upcoming elections.