The Nigerian Senate on Thursday insisted that the proposed Tax Reform Bill has not been suspended or withdrawn as erroneously reported by some media organizations .

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reiterated the chamber’s independence and its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Nigerians as it deliberates on the contentious tax reform bills.

GALAXY TV reports that Akpabio made the remarks after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, raised a point of order to that effect.

Senator Bamidele expressed displeasure with reports that the bills had been withdrawn, stressing that the executive has the right to do so. He noted that the reservations raised during the debate was the reason an ad-hoc committee was constituted to look at the grey areas and report back to the senate.

Senator Bamidele equally noted that the delicate nature of the proposal was the reason membership of the committee cuts across all the geopolitical zones of the country.

The Senate Leader therefore urged the public to exercise patience as whatever action taken is for the betterment of the people.

In his remarks, Akpabio said that the Red Chamber will not be bullied or intimidated over the tax reform bills, asserting that legislative action on the proposed laws will continue in the interest of Nigerians.

The Senate also reshuffled the membership of the committee responsible for meeting with the federal government delegation to address concerns raised about the tax reform bills currently under review.

Tahir Monguno, Senate chief whip, was removed from the committee and replaced by Kaka Shehu, senator representing Borno Central Senatorial District.

Akpabio explained that principal officers should not be part of the committee, stating that this was the consensus reached during a closed-door session last week before the bills passed the second reading.