Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is expected to meet with the Senate today (Thursday) to review the Tax Reform Bills forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
Following the huge controversy surrounding the tax reform proposals, particularly with the North opposing them, Tinubu advised calm, stating that he has asked the AGF to meet with the National Assembly to iron out the kinks.
In response, the Senate formed a committee to consult with the AGF on the assignment. However, the intended meeting was put on hold after a review of the Senate panel’s composition and Senate caucus sessions.
However, a source in the Ministry of Justice confirmed to The PUNCH on Wednesday night that the AGF will meet with the Senate today.
“The AGF will be at the National Assembly tomorrow, December 19, for the tax reform bill meeting,” the official said on condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to speak with the press about the topic.
When contacted for confirmation, Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate Special Committee, said that the AGF and the Federal Inland Revenue Service Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, were invited.
“The committee has invited the Chairman of FIRS and the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice,” Moro said with no further details.
Two weeks ago, the Senate formed a Moro-led committee to work with the AGF to address gaps in the Tax Reform Bills.
Senators Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Titus Zam (APC, Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP, Kebbi North), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), and Kaka Shehu, SAN (APC, Borno Central) have since declined.
