The South South caucus of the Senate have passed a vote of confidence on Senate President Godswill Akpabio
In a statement by the Chairman of the Forum, Senator Seriake Dickson, PDP, Bayelsa West, the South-South senators said that having recognized the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, the forum resolved to support the Tax Reforms Bills.
Dickson said the support would be based on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they aligned with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South.
The senators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states also passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Akpabio with regard to the tax reform bills.
15 other senators who signed the communique are the Secretary of the forum, Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe, Senator Barinada Mpigi Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen; Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, PDP, Delta North, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and Senator Allwell Onyeso.
Others are Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, APC, Senator Ekong Sampson and Senator Ede Dafinone, APC, Delta Central.
The statement read: “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. After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were made:
“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.
“We pledge our full support to the Senate president and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.
“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 calls for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate.”