By PATRICK ABANG Calabar –
Against the backdrop of incessant taxation and extortion, the Cross River State Government has warned against those responsible for the illegal act by agent of Local Government Areas, who are in the habit of harassing business owners.
The state Chairman of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service ( IRS), Mike Akpanke gave the warning when he received a delegation of Cross River/Akwa-Ibom State chapter of Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by Commorade Akin Oyediran during a courtesy visit in his office in Calabar.
Oyediran and members of MAN had alleged that some agents of Cross River State Government do engage in multiple taxation to the extent that some companies had to relocate to Akwa- Ibom State .
According to the MAN Chairmen, some companies had to fold up because of incessant taxation and extortion by agent of the Cross River State Government.
But reacting to the issue, the State Chairman of (IRS) Mike Akpanke said his agency has been carrying out a lot of awareness and sensitization programme across the state on the activities of multiple taxation especially by local government agents.
Mr. Akpanke said the state government is taking seriously steps towards addressing the issue of multiple taxation and extortion by agent of local government.
He said: “We are not unaware of the difficulties face by MAN members, we have moved from taxation to extortion”
“We are trying to work with security agencies to ensure that those caught are brought to book and sanction appropriately”
He appealed to the business community in the state to show understanding as the state government is taking the matter seriously with a view of addressing them.
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