Senator Seriake Dickson has said that there is nothing wrong with the tax reform bills currently being considered at the National Assembly.
However, he said massive consultations should have been held.
Dickson also said that there is nothing unfair in the revenue-sharing model proposed in the Bills.
According to the Bayelsa-born lawmaker, disagreements over the tax reform bills show the vibrant nature of Nigeria’s democracy.
The former Bayelsa State governor, who said this in an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, added that it was time people had to step up and play roles as leaders.
“I don’t comment on regional politics. At our level, we have to be or aspire to be national politicians. That’s what I’ve been discussing with my colleagues from all over the country—that we can have a healthy conversation and even arguments,” he said.
“That’s what the parliaments are for. We’re not there to always agree. We shouldn’t ethnicised. We shouldn’t bring in sectional sentiments.
“I’m supporting it because every week they fly in oil workers from Lagos State to Bayelsa, Brass to work (and other parts of the Niger Delta) and they go back. Do you know where the payees of those workers are paid? Lagos.
“We have to correct that. And this President and his team—I’m not in the President’s party. I’ve not even seen the President. We’re in different parties but I can see when something is being done to address a problem. I don’t need anybody to come and tell me.”
