A fresh dispute has broken out in the House of Representatives following sharp disagreements between the leadership of the Green Chamber and its Minority Caucus over an ad hoc inquiry into alleged alterations of Nigeria’s tax laws.
The Chairman of the Minority Caucus’ ad hoc committee, Afam Ogene, on Sunday cautioned that any attempt to dismiss the panel’s interim findings would amount to encouraging impunity and weakening the authority of the National Assembly.
Ogene’s comments followed remarks credited to the House’s Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, who reportedly described the minority committee’s report as “overtaken by events” after the release of Certified True Copies of the tax laws in question.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ogene said Agbese’s position as a principal officer of the House required a higher sense of responsibility. He argued that such offices exist to protect the integrity of the legislature and democratic norms, expressing concern that Agbese appeared to be speaking on behalf of the executive.
The lawmaker, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, stressed that the minority caucus report did not accuse the National Assembly of wrongdoing nor challenge its legislative powers. Instead, he said the report drew attention to what it described as attempts by unidentified actors to compromise the independence and functional integrity of the legislature.
Ogene also questioned claims that the issue had been resolved, pointing out that a separate bipartisan committee chaired by Muktar Betara was still examining the matter.
“If the issue has truly been overtaken by events, why is the Betara committee still in operation and yet to be dissolved by the House?” he asked.
He warned that overlooking procedural lapses could erode democratic accountability, insisting that lawmakers across party lines should resist conduct capable of undermining institutional credibility. Ogene further expressed confidence in the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to uphold legislative independence and protect public interest.
However, the House leadership swiftly pushed back. The official Spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, dismissed the Minority Caucus initiative as procedurally defective and lacking institutional legitimacy.
While acknowledging the right of the minority caucus to express dissent and raise concerns, Rotimi said such actions must not be confused with formal parliamentary procedures. He explained that under the Standing Orders of the House, only the plenary or the Speaker has the authority to constitute ad hoc committees with investigative powers.
According to him, political caucuses exist solely for consultation and coordination and have no mandate to conduct investigations, summon individuals or demand official documents. Any reports produced by such caucuses, he said, are informal and carry no legal or institutional weight.
Rotimi further noted that the Betara-led bipartisan committee, constituted in December 2025, remains the only body lawfully mandated to examine the controversy surrounding multiple versions of the tax laws. He said the committee would present its findings to the House upon completion of its assignment.
He added that the National Assembly had already published the official Gazette and issued Certified True Copies of the tax laws, thereby disowning any unofficial versions in circulation. According to him, parallel investigations by caucus-led committees risk misleading the public on an issue already addressed through proper legislative channels.
The exchange has highlighted growing tension within the House over oversight responsibilities and procedure, underscoring the fine line between political advocacy by minority lawmakers and the formal authority of parliamentary institutions.
