VIDEO: ‘I am a politician, I don’t pay tax’ – Drama as Rivers Speaker questions commissioner nominee

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A video making the rounds on the internet has documented a fraught instant while commissioner nominees proposed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara were being screened by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Our correspondent’s footage shows Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule questioning one of the nominees, Charity Deemua, about her tax clearance certificate status.

Amaewhule indicated that the nominee’s tax clearance seemed to be outdated during the screening session.

“I just wanted to know, so there’s no current tax clearance. Madam has not been paying tax since 2018. I just wanted to know if she’s been exempted from paying taxes. So let her tell us now,” the Speaker said.

Deemua, in her response, clarified that she had not maintained a consistent income source over the past few years.

“Like I said before, I’m a politician, I don’t have work,” she stated.

In response to a request for clarification of her work history, Deemua informed the legislators that she had previously held a brief government position.

“I was a member, a commissioner in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission,” she said.

“When were you? Hold on… local government caretaker committee member, right?” the Speaker asked.

“I was just three months there,” Deemua replied.

“When? When was that?” Amaewhule asked.

“And I think November last year,” she responded.

“November when? What year?” the Speaker asked again.

“2025,” she answered.

“You were not paid salary? Were you not paid salary?” Amaewhule asked.

“In the caretaker committee, we were paid,” Deemua admitted.

“You were paid? Yes. Is that not income? But you said you have not had any income from 2018 to date as a politician. So no tax clearance, and that’s what you are telling Rivers people. Madam, that is not nice. You are misleading the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly,” Amaewhule said.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. But I think I can still go back for…,” she began before being interrupted.

“No, but you say you have not had any income now,” Amaewhule replied before moving on to the next nominee.

The video of the exchange has prompted online reactions, with many Nigerians questioning what exactly taxpayers are paying for if politicians claim they don’t work.

Watch the video below

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