Soludo Meets With Transport & Market Union Executive Members, Abolishes Collection Of Government Revenue By Proxy 

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

The Government of Anambra State will commence implementation of a new tax and levy regime in Anambra markets, roads and parks as from July 1, 2022.

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo gave the disclosure at a one day town hall meeting held at Women’s Development Center, Awka with Transport and Market Union Executive Members in Anambra State. 
Governor Soludo warned anyone posing as a government revenue collector in any part of the state, to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law, as his administration is making frantic efforts to stop leakages of government revenue which usually end up in private pockets.

Governor Soludo said Anambra is an alpha state, he expressed optimism that in line with his campaign promises, the state will be peaceful, liveable and prosperous.

The Governor emphasized that Anambra should ideally be a reference point in all ramifications as one of the developed States within the federation.

Governor Soludo further pointed out that the new tax regime has become imperative as the era of revenue generation through the sale of  crude oil is gradually phasing out. He revealed that since February this year, no remittance had been done from the NNPC into the federation account as money acruable from the sale of crude oil is gradually dwindling. 

He stressed however that henceforth, public parks owned by the government will be directly managed by government, directing that caretaker committee members in Anambra markets are forbidden from collecting revenue on behalf of government.

The Governor pleaded with those who will be affected by the new system to consider the larger picture of making Anambra succeed for the greater good of the people. He however quickly offered to provide alternatives for them.

Governor Soludo called on the different unions to mobilize their members for action, stating that his administration will not hesitate to enforce the new directive for the general well-being of the state economy.

According to the Commissioner for Transportation, Barrister Pat Igwebuike, who also addressed the gathering, said Governor Soludo is committed to the cause of road transporters. She asked them to join hands with the Soludo government to salvage the already battered system which has gross adverse effects on the state economy. She called on the members of the Union who have not acquired their identification, to do so as quickly as possible.

For the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikodi Anarah, said Anambra used to be the pride of place for business operators, every day of the week, but decried the low turnout and patronage which has characterized ‘Mondays’ due to the Sit at home syndrome. He said this unfortunate development is making business owners to relocate their businesses to neighbouring states.

Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Richard Madiebo explained that the present administration has designed the revenue framework in such a way that people can now pay their taxes and levies seamlessly as well as eliminate multiple taxation.

Mr. Madiebo further said that all taxes and levies payers in the state will be issued with a digital Identification. He disclosed that commercial vehicle operators who make daily payment, will not be charged to pay anymore in any public park, adding that five percent of the revenue generated by any union, will be given to them to manage the respective business place. 

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Paschal Agbodike, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, and an array of market leaders attended the function which featured question, answer and contribution session.