— Appeals To Governor OBASEKI To Come To their Aid
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City.
The President, Traders Welfare, Edo State, Comrade Lucky Orukpe has called on Edo State government, to , as a matter of urgency prevail on the State Revenue Collectors over their multiple taxation on Goat Meat Sellers in the State.
Comrade Orukpe who led the protesters through some roads in Benin City, the state capital, gave the warning at the Edo State Internal Revenue Board along New Lagos Road. Benin City, to register their displeasure over the multiple taxation by the Edo State Revenue Collectors.
According to Comrade Orukpe, “Initially, the goat meat seller pay N50 for Ladder and the revenue collectors increased it to N100, the Local Government Council revenue collectors collect N100, while the veterinary doctor collect N500 on each goat. Altogether, in every single goat purchased and killed, the Goat Meat Seller pay the total sum of N700.”
Comrade Orukpe therefore call on Edo State government through the Revenue Board to come to their rescue as the multiple taxation is causing untold hardship to their businesses.
“We are calling on Edo State government to come to our rescue as the multiple taxation caused untold hardship to their businesses and these multiple charges fall back to the consumers.
“We appeal to Edo State government to introduce Point of Sale (POS) so that the tax they collect can henceforth go straight to the account of Edo state government,” he suggested.
In his respond, the representative of the chairman of the Edo State Inland Revenue Board, Mr. Felix Isuku appreciated the way the traders composed themselves while going on the their peaceful protest.
“I admire the eloquent in your English, it really tells that you people are well organised and educated. We welcome the suggestion you people raised by way of introducing POS in the revenue collection in your market. Be rest assured that my chairman will definitely channel your grievances to the state government,” he assured.
Mr. Isuku appealed to the protesters to select 4 representatives who will be meeting with the Secretary to State Government (SSG) to air your views and possibly discuss way forward, according to him, “Edo State government is passionate about the welfare of Edo people, he assured.