The Lagos State government insisted Sunday that Mr. Jimi Agbaje’s company, Jay Kay Pharmacy is owing the state an accumulated N1.63 million in land use charge taxes, contrary to the press statement by Agbaje that the company had fulfilled its tax obligations.
Agbaje, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos state, had tried to stave off the controversy by denying the debt and even stating that he once got a commendation letter from the Lagos State commissioner for finance for being a tax compliant citizen of Lagos state. But in a statement signed by Hakeem Bello, the special adviser on information to Governor Raji Fashola, the Lagos state government tried to set the records straight.
“For clarity, the issue at hand has to do with Mr. Jimi Agbaje’s business premises at 9, Randle Close, Apapa and not 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA, for which he was commended.
“The letter issued by the Commissioner of Finance is in respect of 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA, which was published in Mr. Agbaje’s response and is proof of Government’s acknowledgement of payments made on that property at 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA which presumably is his residence.
“The Land Use Charge on the business premises of JK Pharmacy at 9, Randle Close, Apapa, was not paid for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
“As Governor Fashola acknowledged, payment was made for 2013 and 2014 on 9, Randle Close, Apapa, perhaps in preparation for the election.
“The payments for 2009 to 2012 remain outstanding and unpaid and those monies go to the Local Governments to fund primary education and primary Healthcare.
“The amount due and unpaid is N1,629,064.62.
“The only way this debt owed to the people of Lagos will go away is if it is paid.