By Steven Atokolo
South-South Senators have passed a vote-of-confidence on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and thrown its support behind President Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly.
In a Communique issued by the South-South Senators’ Forum in Abuja Thursday, the senators said “we, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key National issues and the role of the Senate in advancing the collective interest of the country.
It said after extensive discussions, the following resolutions were made: Vote of Confidence in the Senate President, H.E. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON: “The South-South Senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the Senate toward its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
Support for National Development: “We pledge our full support to the Senate President and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensuring the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development”.
Tax Reforms Bills: “Recognizing the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills. This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the Bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region”.
The Caucus called for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and look to forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the Senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation”.
The Communique was signed Senators Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) Chairman, Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (Cross River North), Secretary, Barinada Mpigi (Rivers East), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Neda Imasuen (Edo South) and Munir Ned Nwoko (Delta North).
Others are Senators Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (Delta South), Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North East), Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), Allwell Onyeso (Rivers East), Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers West), Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Eteng Jonah Williams (Cross River Central), Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Ede Dafinone (Delta Central).
