BENIN CITY – The Edo State government has again reiterated its position on revenue/levy collections in the state.
This was sequel to series of petitions/complaints from members of the public on what they alleged termed as over taxation from the various unions in the state, especially in the Benin metropolis.
Addressing stakeholders of the various unions during a meeting with the unions leaders, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah, said the government would always strive to ensure the protection of its citizens, even on the basis of collecting revenue in line with the stipulated laws.
Chief Elamah who expressed the state government’s worry over the series of petitions/worry over the series of petitions/ complaints on the way and manner unions were collecting monies from public, said the meeting became imperative because of the need to address the lingering issues.
He stated that though the EIRS was responsible for the collection of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), in line with tax laws, it does not mount illegal road blocks for the purpose of collecting revenue, just as he reiterated that individuals/groups are allowed to collect revenue/levy on the high way.
The EIRS/boss asserted that most states were faced with the challenge of meeting their peoples yearnings due to the low allocation from the federation account.
He added that Edo State was ahead because it was meeting the peoples yearnings, including welfare and payment of workers salaries.
According to him, “If we must do anything, is on basis of the law. Government has the right to collect revenue and also has the right to protect the citizens from harassment and intimidation.
While noting the people’s burden was becoming extremely, unbearable, Chief Elamah averred that the essence of government revolve round the welfare of its citizens, declaring that the level of indiscriminate collections of levies by unions in the state was posing threat to not only the revenue generation system but to the society at large.
He further said that the EIRS has over time enlightened, educated and sensitized the people on modalities of carrying out its revenue collection mandate, adding that the government remain resolute to putting a stop to such illegalities.
He also stated that the government was not against unions collecting their levies/dues, adding they should do it appropriately.
In their separate responses, the various union leaders cited lack of central motor park, multiple tickets by various local governments as some of the reasons for the collection of unions’ revenue on the roads.
The Chairman of Akugbe Ventures, Comrade Tony Kabaka Adun, noted that in the past only government and recognised unions were authorised to collect revenue/levy, adding that there are various unions today, who are harassing and intimidating market women in the name of revenue, resulting in double taxation.
Comrade Kabaka pointed out that the various illegalities should be adequately checkmated if the issue of alleged multiple taxation must be eradicated.
He, however, suggested that a committee as well as a mobile court be set to prosecute those found wanting.
Chief (Sir) Oseni Elamah
