A harsh verbal clash erupted on Sunday between Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) and the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, over allegations of discrepancies in recently passed tax legislation.
While Agbese accused Ndume of being mischievous in his claim that the tax laws were falsified, Ndume hit back by labelling Agbese “maga dog” and disrespectful, saying he is old enough to be Agbese’s father.
The controversy began after Ndume raised concerns that the version of the tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu differed from the version passed by the National Assembly.
In a television interview last week, the Borno lawmaker suggested that certain provisions had been altered during harmonisation and gazetting.
Reacting to Ndume’s claims, Agbese told journalists on Sunday in Abuja: “It is sheer mischief to suggest that the tax laws were falsified.”
Agbese dismissed allegations of legislative cover-up, emphasising that all procedures were properly followed and warning that spreading such claims could undermine public confidence in the National Assembly.
“It is wrong for anyone to suggest that lawmakers altered or concealed provisions of the tax laws. Both chambers remain committed to transparency and accountability. The House has already constituted a committee to investigate concerns surrounding the tax legislation, making claims of cover-up or legislative fraud unfounded,” he said.
