Governor Obaseki Bans Private Revenue Collectors

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced the immediate prohibition of private tax collectors in Edo state The governor said in a statewide broadcast to the people of the state in his New Year message that with effect from January 1, 2017, only employees of the state and local governments could collect taxes and levies in state. “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 vest the responsibility for collecting taxes exclusively on the three tiers of government, that is, federal, state and local governments. All arrangements to collect taxes or levies entered into by any state or local government agency in Edo State, ceases to be valid with effect from today,” he said. The governor urged all citizens not to heed to any form of intimidation from any quarters. It is common knowledge that thugs over the years had been
collecting taxes and levies on the streets of Benin, holding government and citizens hostage. Traders and businessmen have been victims of harassment by owners of companies through loyal party thugs registered by the state and local governments to collect such monies in the state for decades. But according to Obaseki, any person or group of persons being harassed by these “illegal nonentities” over tax should “call or alert law enforcement agencies if they find anyone involved in such nefarious activities.

His broadcast was entitled : “Message of Hope and Renewal.’’ The governor, while felicitating with the people, said he would never betray the confidence reposed in him by electing him governor on Sept. 28, 2016. “ I would like to use the occasion to express my profound gratitude and appreciation to you for overwhelmingly entrusting me with the responsibility to take charge and to steer the socio-economic and political destiny of our beloved state in the next four years. “ I am aware of the enormity of the trust and confidence you have reposed in me and by the grace of God Almighty, I will meet your expectations,’’ he said. Obaseki, who reviewed the socio-economic activities of 2016 and concluded that it was indeed harsh, however, exuded confidence that 2017 would be better for the people of the state. “As we reflect on 2016, we have every reason to be thankful to God Almighty for preserving us and our country; 2016 was a year of challenges, difficulties, excitements and opportunities.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/01/gov-obaseki-promises-speedy-economic-recovery-edo-bans-private-tax-collectors/