… Unveils enforcement and compliance outfit
By Bernadette Idalu
The Edo State Internal Service (EIRS) has charged security agencies to join the fight to rid the state of illegal revenue collectors.
Executive Chairman, EIRS, Hon. (Barr) Oladele Bankole-Balogun gave the charge at a one-day meeting with security agencies. He frowned at persons posing as government workers to aid their illegal motive of collecting revenue for themselves.
The revenue chairman said the essence of the meeting was to ensure the revenue generation process of the state is not disrupted. He admonished the Chief Executive Officer, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Limited, Mr. Tony Adun, to operate above board in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Addressing participants at the stakeholders meeting, Balogun stated, “This meeting is to formalize the approval of His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo with regards to ensuring that the revenue stream and revenue generation for our great State is protected by all means.
“This government would not take lightly anyone or group of persons, in whatever shape or form, that they come in, to disrupt revenue generation of this State, the peace, progress and plans of this government.
“We are aware that some elements have been parading themselves on the roads to collect revenue illegally. This must and would stop.
And l will be charging the law enforcement to do everything within their powers to ensure that law and order is kept.
“The Law that establishes the Revenue Service is very sacrosanct and clear on who is to collect revenue and how. So, if you are not authorized by the Law of the State or the Federal Republic of Nigeria to collect revenue on behalf of Edo State Government, you will have yourself to blame.
“It is in this regard that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is desirous of peace and progress in the State and as such, in order to ensure that the revenue we are growing in the state is not tampered with by any non State actors, has approved the company of Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd., as Enforcement Compliance Consultant to the Edo State Government.”
The chairman said “enforcers are expected to work within stipulated guidelines to deliver on objectives of the EIRS and the overall objectives of His Excellency and the people and government of Edo State.”
