Civil groups urge Obaseki to sustain ban of private revenue collectors

Civil groups urge Obaseki to sustain ban of private revenue collectors

Friday, January 6, 2017 4:26 pm


Gov. Obaseki of Edo State

Gov. Obaseki of Edo State

Jethro Ibileke/Benin
More commendations have continued to greet the prohibition of private revenue collectors announced by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in his new year broadcast. This is even as members of ‎Conference of Non Governmental Organizations (CONGOs), have urged the Governor to sustain the ban and never yield to intimidation from any quarter.

It would be recalled that several individuals and bodies have commended Obaseki for his courage in putting the private revenue collectors contracted by his predecessor in office, Adams Oshiomhole, out of business.

Obaseki in the new year broadcast, had said: “I must quickly mention that one issue that continues to agitate Edo people is the lawless activities of some individuals who persist in harassing and extorting innocent citizens under the guise of collecting taxes and levies.

“The laws of our country vests the responsibility for collecting taxes exclusively on the 3-tiers of government, that is, Federal, State and Local Governments.

“Consequently, with effect from today, January 1, 2017, only employees of government can collect taxes and levies in Edo state.”

In a press statement signed by Comrades Jude Obasami and Destiny Enabulele, President and Secretary of (CONGOs) respectively, they noted that as the conscience of the civil engagement, they have decided to throw their weight behind the pronouncement.

They also commended the Governor on his plan to develop Gelegele port into a foremost economic and industrial hub, noting that it would improve the economic competitiveness of the state.

“Most importantly, the ban on private revenue collectors is welcomed and long over due. This issue has continued to agitate Edo people.

“We have repeatedly condemned the lawless activities of some individuals who persist in harassing and extorting innocent citizens under the guise of collecting taxes and levies.

“We appeal to the government to have the political will to sustain this arrangement. Equally, we call on the Board of Internal Revenue and other relevant agencies to immediately start the process.

The CSO members who agreed with Governor Obaseki that “the laws of our country vest the responsibility for collecting taxes exclusively on the three tiers of government, that is the federal, state and local governments,” advised that there should be clear-cut definitions on who to tax and what to collect.

They however noted that pronouncement on the ban should not be normal ritual as in the past when government progressed in their constitutional requirements to the people, only to renege or go back to it vomit.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki’s broadcast gives hope to Edo masses, but their fears is that the pronouncements will go the same way other pronouncements have gone in the recent past,” they said.

Commenting on Obaseki’s promise to develop technical and vocational education in the State, the CONGOs officials recommended that the organised private sector should be well involved, just as they suggested that the school curriculum of the State be refocused to ensure that it captures the gap in the sector.


Join The Conversation

What do you think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.