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One of the sources noted that "the Senate leadership is offering $5,000 to each senator from Southern Nigeria and select senators from Northern Nigeria to lobby support for the tax reform bills."

Amid the controversies being generated by President Bola Tinubu's tax reforms bill, the Nigerian Senate leadership is presently reaching to members of the Upper Chamber with at least $5000 inducement to ensure pasage of the bill, SaharaReporters can report. 

Senate sources informed SaharaReporters that the leadership has reached out to each Southern senator with the offer, while some selected northern senators would also be captured in the plot to lobby the legislators.

SaharaReporters gathered that there is presently growing fear that the legislators had been compromised in their decision to approve Tinubu's proposed tax reforms, following the money being shared within the legislative chamber to sway votes.

One of the sources noted that "the Senate leadership is offering $5,000 to each senator from Southern Nigeria and select senators from Northern Nigeria to lobby support for the tax reform bills." 

Southern Nigeria is represented by 51 senators, while Northern Nigeria has 58 senators in the chamber. 

It was claimed that the Senate leadership, predominantly from Southern Nigeria, is employing a "divide and rule" strategy, targeting a few Northern senators with additional incentives and welfare promises to secure their support.

"For Southern senators, the leadership is reportedly attempting to evoke regional solidarity and anti-Northern sentiments while offering each senator $5000 as an inducement to back the controversial bills. Last week, all 51 Southern senators were approached with this offer," the source added.

SaharaReporters had days ago reported that members of the Senate from the South-South region of Nigeria on Thursday announced their support for the controversial tax reform bills presented by Tinubu. 

The lawmakers who announced their support of the bills in a communiqué issued in Abuja, had also reaffirmed their strong backing of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, one of the South-South states.

The communiqué was signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman), Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Secretary), Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Allwell Onyeso. 

Other signatories include; Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Ede Dafinone.

Whereas some lawmakers, governors and political leaders from the Northern region of the country and certain groups from other parts of the country have raised resistance against the bills, calling for its withdrawal, the South-South senators stressed that their support of the bills is rooted in a shared commitment to increasing national revenue and fostering economic growth.

Part of the communiqué had read, “Following a meeting on December 4, 2024, we, the Senators from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, convened to deliberate on pressing national issues and the Senate’s role in advancing the collective interests of Nigeria. After thorough discussions, we reached the following resolutions.

“The South-South Senators unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting his leadership in guiding the Senate toward fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, including passing 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 as they work to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation that promotes good governance, national unity, and economic development.

“Understanding the critical role of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and ensuring economic stability, we have resolved to support the Tax Reform Bills.

“Our support will be based on a comprehensive review and in-depth evaluation of the bills’ contents to ensure they align with the broader interests of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.

“We call for restraint from those introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic, or tribal, into this national dialogue. We look forward to continued robust discussions and consultations as already initiated by the Senate.

“We remain committed to collaborating with our colleagues across the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to foster a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of our nation.”

Meanwhile, it was reported that the South-East Caucus in the Nigerian Senate failed to endorse the controversial tax bill.

The Senate caucus had joined called for wider consultations before the passage of the bill, insisting that there are needs for constituents, stakeholders to be consulted.

The senators had revealed their stance on Monday following a closed-door meeting of senators from the five South-East states, held in the office of their leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).

Abaribe who spoke on behalf of the caucus stated that the caucus does not oppose the proposed tax reforms.

It was stated that the caucus, however, believed that more extensive engagement with stakeholders was necessary.

He had noted that this would be important before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.

https://saharareporters.com/2024/12/09/senate-leadership-offers-senators-least-5000-other-incentives-lobby-passage-tinubus

Bebigiby1:
One of the sources noted that "the Senate leadership is offering $5,000 to each senator from Southern Nigeria and select senators from Northern Nigeria to lobby support for the tax reform bills."

Amid the controversies being generated by President Bola Tinubu's tax reforms bill, the Nigerian Senate leadership is presently reaching to members of the Upper Chamber with at least $5000 inducement to ensure pasage of the bill, SaharaReporters can report. 

Senate sources informed SaharaReporters that the leadership has reached out to each Southern senator with the offer, while some selected northern senators would also be captured in the plot to lobby the legislators.

SaharaReporters gathered that there is presently growing fear that the legislators had been compromised in their decision to approve Tinubu's proposed tax reforms, following the money being shared within the legislative chamber to sway votes.

One of the sources noted that "the Senate leadership is offering $5,000 to each senator from Southern Nigeria and select senators from Northern Nigeria to lobby support for the tax reform bills." 

Southern Nigeria is represented by 51 senators, while Northern Nigeria has 58 senators in the chamber. 

It was claimed that the Senate leadership, predominantly from Southern Nigeria, is employing a "divide and rule" strategy, targeting a few Northern senators with additional incentives and welfare promises to secure their support.

"For Southern senators, the leadership is reportedly attempting to evoke regional solidarity and anti-Northern sentiments while offering each senator $5000 as an inducement to back the controversial bills. Last week, all 51 Southern senators were approached with this offer," the source added.

SaharaReporters had days ago reported that members of the Senate from the South-South region of Nigeria on Thursday announced their support for the controversial tax reform bills presented by Tinubu. 

The lawmakers who announced their support of the bills in a communiqué issued in Abuja, had also reaffirmed their strong backing of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, one of the South-South states.

The communiqué was signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman), Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Secretary), Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Neda Imasuen, Senator Munir Ned Nwoko, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and Senator Allwell Onyeso. 

Other signatories include; Senator Ipalibo Banigo, Senator Benson Agadaga, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Ede Dafinone.

Whereas some lawmakers, governors and political leaders from the Northern region of the country and certain groups from other parts of the country have raised resistance against the bills, calling for its withdrawal, the South-South senators stressed that their support of the bills is rooted in a shared commitment to increasing national revenue and fostering economic growth.

Part of the communiqué had read, “Following a meeting on December 4, 2024, we, the Senators from the South-South Geopolitical Zone, convened to deliberate on pressing national issues and the Senate’s role in advancing the collective interests of Nigeria. After thorough discussions, we reached the following resolutions.

“The South-South Senators unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting his leadership in guiding the Senate toward fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, including passing 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 as they work to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation that promotes good governance, national unity, and economic development.

“Understanding the critical role of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and ensuring economic stability, we have resolved to support the Tax Reform Bills.

“Our support will be based on a comprehensive review and in-depth evaluation of the bills’ contents to ensure they align with the broader interests of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.

“We call for restraint from those introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic, or tribal, into this national dialogue. We look forward to continued robust discussions and consultations as already initiated by the Senate.

“We remain committed to collaborating with our colleagues across the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to foster a legislative agenda that ensures the peace, prosperity, and progress of our nation.”

Meanwhile, it was reported that the South-East Caucus in the Nigerian Senate failed to endorse the controversial tax bill.

The Senate caucus had joined called for wider consultations before the passage of the bill, insisting that there are needs for constituents, stakeholders to be consulted.

The senators had revealed their stance on Monday following a closed-door meeting of senators from the five South-East states, held in the office of their leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South).

Abaribe who spoke on behalf of the caucus stated that the caucus does not oppose the proposed tax reforms.

It was stated that the caucus, however, believed that more extensive engagement with stakeholders was necessary.

He had noted that this would be important before the bills are fully considered by both chambers.

https://saharareporters.com/2024/12/09/senate-leadership-offers-senators-least-5000-other-incentives-lobby-passage-tinubus

This is senseless
Anyway common sense is not common

We'll see those who usually attack and abuse OBJ that he flooded NASS with dollars come here to discredit, denounce and disclaim this as fake news. They'll insist they need evidence to believe this

Nigeria: A Banana republic.

If the new tax reform bill is form the benefits of the country as claimed by some people here, why will the senate leader bribe some law makers to vote in favour of the bill?

I am personally not against the bill, but ayam just wondering why the senate leader have to give bribe to get maximum support before it can be passed into law.

The Obasanjo era is back??

Akpabio is easily the most corrupt government official in Nigeria. Every office he holds corruption allegations always follow...as governor of Akwa Ibom EFCC said he stole over 400b naira, as Minister of Niger Delta same allegations including the NDDC saga and now same as senate president.
"With these kind of leaders Africa no get hope" - Femi Kuti.

Cajal:
This is senseless
Anyway common sense is not common

U dey mind that Opunu bebigiby1 bigotry been exhibited?

Useless propaganda by Saharareporters. They no even call better money. How much is $5k for a senator?

Useless source.

Kukutente23:
We'll see those who usually attack and abuse OBJ that he flooded NASS with dollars come here to discredit, denounce and disclaim this as fake news. They'll insist they need evidence to believe this

But the bill was already suspended according to you. Why are they trying to bribe something they suspended and called quit?

$5k is just 8m naira. You’ll need more than that to bribe a senator if you’re trying to influence them against their will.

How much is $5k? When PDP guys shared more than that (>$10k+) to an ordinary delegate during their presidential primaries.

I will even be surprised Akpabio is that dafft to offer than chicken change, who will that influence?

TUANKU:
Akpabio is easily the most corrupt government official in Nigeria. Every office he holds corruption allegations always follow...as governor of Akwa Ibom EFCC said he stole over 400b naira, as Minister of Niger Delta same allegations including the NDDC saga and now same as senate president.
"With these kind of leaders Africa no get hope" - Femi Kuti.

Nonsense.

Kukutente23:
We'll see those who usually attack and abuse OBJ that he flooded NASS with dollars come here to discredit, denounce and disclaim this as fake news. They'll insist they need evidence to believe this

Wailer you for go, maybe dey for break you like 500 dollars, since it is raining Benjamin Franklins in the National Assembly?

Hmmmmmm!

LegendHero:
But the bill was already suspended according to you. Why are they trying to bribe something they suspended and called quit?

$5k is just 8m naira. You’ll need more than that to bribe a senator if you’re trying to influence them against their will.

How much is $5k? When PDP guys shared more than that (>$10k+) to an ordinary delegate during their presidential primaries.

I will even be surprised Akpabio is that dafft to offer than chicken change, who will that influence?

Next!!

Godfullsam:
If the new tax reform bill is form the benefits of the country as claimed by some people here, why will the senate leader bribe some law makers to vote in favour of the bill?

I am personally not against the bill, but ayam just wondering why the senate leader have to give bribe to get maximum support before it can be passed into law.

And you believe this crappy story? Geez

Sowore the source

Kukutente23:
We'll see those who usually attack and abuse OBJ that he flooded NASS with dollars come here to discredit, denounce and disclaim this as fake news. They'll insist they need evidence to believe this

Many of you lack anything inside your heads, that is why the likes of Sahara reporters no longer even provide any evidence to convince those who are already hungry for negative news.

Bloody anarchists!

This is the fakest of the fakest news if there is anything like that

5000 Dollars or 50,000 dollars?

5000USD is it for eko and akara

Rubbish

Any time Nigeria senators and politicians are pushing for an agenda seriously, never you make mistake as a citizen think they’re doing it for your own good….the North are only against it because it will make southern senators have more money to loot more than them…

Weda North or South, the tax reform is NOT beneficial to the man on the street. If it was a real reform, you don’t need to bribe with more than 7.5m naira for it to be passed.

Naija politicians are thieves and corrupt, but they’re only nothing but saints compared to the citizens they represent.

If the current government came from the citizens, then imagine how rotten and devilish the remaining Nigerians are.

You reading this now, swear with Ogun that these current politicians aren’t learning to steal assuming you were given an opportunity?

This is why the next set always steal more than the previous sets

Propaganda

It's Sowore. The SUG president.

Tinubu is a strident proponent of bribery and corruption, food for the boys and jeun soke jeun soke kind of things, so no surprises there. That's how he got this far. If you think it's easy to graduate from a secondary school years before it was even established, then you can try.

Now, when tinubu is husband married to a crook like akpabio, that's a recipe for high wire corruption.

When critics started asking Why the rush to pass the bill, I knew prayers were sent to emails.

The bills which are good generally doesn't require bribe money in billions, hence the urgent 5k.

LegendHero:
Useless propaganda by Saharareporters. They no even call better money. How much is $5k for a senator?

Useless source.

The amount is not small. That’s a budget of about N4 billion for Reps and up to N1.5 billion for Senators . For just one set of bills? Considering Nigeria’s budget, that’s not small.

Senators don’t give a f***, they have hotels and houses and bills they’re paying for. They pass bills everyday in the house so $5k adds up.

Throwback:
Many of you lack anything inside your heads, that is why the likes of Sahara reporters no longer even provide any evidence to convince those who are already hungry for negative news.

Bloody anarchists!

A Janjaaweed calling someone bloody anarchist.

You believed Sahara reporters hook line and sinker during the days of PDP.

Hypocrites are ashamed of you.

Money 💰 wey nor even reach N8m

What an insult !!!😒😑

givedemwotowoto:
The amount is not small. That’s a budget of about N4 billion for Reps and up to N1.5 billion for Senators . For just one set of bills? Considering Nigeria’s budget, that’s not small.

Senators don’t give a f***, they have hotels and houses and bills they’re paying for. They pass bills everyday in the house so $5k adds up.

Majority of members were already in support of the bill, the south for once were unanimous in their opinions, they should have been bribed with 2k each in my opinion, that's rough N300k for lunch.

Kukutente23:
We'll see those who usually attack and abuse OBJ that he flooded NASS with dollars come here to discredit, denounce and disclaim this as fake news. They'll insist they need evidence to believe this

God bless you.


Hypocrisy is the name of the game they play.

Why all these noise? Pass the bill and let everyone rest. When a northern enters, he will cancel the bill and everyone will rest

LegendHero:
But the bill was already suspended according to you. Why are they trying to bribe something they suspended and called quit?

$5k is just 8m naira. You’ll need more than that to bribe a senator if you’re trying to influence them against their will.

How much is $5k? When PDP guys shared more than that (>$10k+) to an ordinary delegate during their presidential primaries.

I will even be surprised Akpabio is that dafft to offer than chicken change, who will that influence?

When will the bill be read on the floor of the House?
Where's your evidence that $10k was paid to each delegate in PDP? If indeed PDP paid $10k, I guess APC's will be twice as high in the region of $20k. Your argument makes no sense. Your only ground for skepticism is the volume of the cash not whether it truly happened or not. If that's your best bet for debunking the story, does it not look possible to you that the info might have been correct but the figures wrong?