BY EVELYN ZORZOR
The attention of the Delta state government has been drawn to the need for clear constitutional provision to guide the operations of the new local government chairmen as it relates to revenue collection.
The call was made when the State Taskforce to Checkmate Revenue Leakages and Eradication of Illegal Revenue Collection, led by Sir Malachi Moye in collaboration with the state security arrested and charged to court, two suspects for illegal revenue collection.
The Chief Prosecutor to the Board of Internal Revenue Taskforce Committee, Barr. Favour Ajeuibor speaking at the premises of the High Court 2, Asaba, had noted that, “With the emergence of these new local government chairmen, there have been wrong developments without looking at the ambits of the law”.
According to him, “Two persons were brought to court as a result of haulage collection and failure to remit same to the board of internal revenue.
“It is clear that section 5(b) of the Taxes and Levies approved List of Collection Act has provided that issues of haulage revenue are within the purview of the state and not the local government.
“And it is our findings that these persons were authorized by the local governments to the effect that there is no enabling law that empowers them to collect revenue in that light. “There are no enabling laws that guide their actions and this is the only way we can deal with the issue until the state government intervenes”, he said.
Ajeuibor added that the Chief Magistrate, His Worship, Carl Moeteke had graciously granted their prayers and going forward, revenues on haulage are now to be channelled to the state Board of Internal Revenue and not the local government.
One of the persons arrested, the Chairman, Ika South Goat Butchers Association Chukwu Shadrach said he was surprised at his arrest.
According to him, confusion set in when money they previously paid to the state internal revenue, was being demanded by the local government, after the elections.
The arrested persons were however asked to remit the monies collected to the state Board of Internal Revenue after which they regained their freedom.
