A heated exchange erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Tuesday, as President Bola Tinubu’s contentious Tax Reform Bills sparked fierce disagreement among lawmakers.

The commotion began when Akin Rotimi, House spokesperson and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, inadvertently ignited tempers during his presentation of a report on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring. Rotimi, standing in for the absent Committee Chair, Boma Goodhead, opened his remarks with a controversial statement.

“My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr. Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly Caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills,” he said.

The declaration triggered immediate backlash, with lawmakers vocally opposing his statement and chanting, “No, No, No!” The room quickly descended into chaos.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened to de-escalate the situation. Cautioning Rotimi, the Speaker declared, “Restrict yourself to the subject matter. We are not discussing tax bills, as this is a very controversial issue. On your behalf, I withdraw the statement.”

Acknowledging his misstep, Rotimi offered an apology and retracted his remark. “I apologize, Mr. Speaker and honorable members,” he said. However, his apology failed to quell the dissatisfaction among lawmakers, who demanded that he completely withdraw the report he was presenting.

Faced with unrelenting pressure, Rotimi relented. “I seek the leave of the Speaker and honorable members to step down the report,” he announced, effectively withdrawing the presentation.