Tax bills have not been withdrawn – Senate President Godswill Akpabio says as he insists Senate will not be intimidated by anyone
The Federal Government has dismissed civil servants who obtained degrees from unapproved private universities in Benin Republic and Togo since 2017. This action follows investigations revealing widespread certificate fraud, including cases where degrees were acquired within months.
Former Education Minister Tahir Mamman disclosed that over 22,500 fake certificates from these institutions were identified and canceled. In response, the government banned the accreditation of such degrees and recognized only eight universities in the two countries as legitimate.
An inter-ministerial committee recommended the dismissals, with directives issued to all federal agencies to enforce the decision. The exact number of affected workers remains unclear.
“We have not suspended or withdrawn deliberations on the tax reform bills. Any attempt to intimidate the Senate is undemocratic. These bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them. We remain steadfast in our legislative responsibilities.”he said
He dismissed claims that the Senate is always doing the bidding of the executive.
“We don’t take orders from anyone or any office, no matter how highly placed.”Akpabio said
