Ikechukwu Emetu, Abia State deputy governor, has disclosed that the present administration’s determination to block all revenue leakages and collection of illegal levies in the State remains sacrosanct in line with the Alex Otti’s zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
Emetu, who made the disclosure during a crucial meeting he held with critical stakeholders on Internally Generated Revenue in the state at Government House, Umuahia said the meeting was to brainstorm on methodologies of enhancing the revenue profile of the state to ensure speedy infrastructural development in all the component areas to make life more meaningful.
The Abia Deputy Governor announced that the Lease on the Cattle Market at Umunneochi LGA would be reviewed with all accruing revenue from the market and Quarry sites properly harmonised, in addition to requesting Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Administration and Finance of the various MDAs to forward to his office detailed reports of their transactions.
He used the forum to disclose that, henceforth all the Ministries in the state would have 20 percent of whatever revenue they generate, while the Chairman BIR is to provide the office of the Deputy Governor details of the revenue windows available in the state, including haulage, emblems, special trade permit, daily tickets, enumeration, among others.
Emetu reminded all that a new government that is focused in ensuring that they get things right and remove Abia from the financial mess it is currently into is now on board and encouraged them not to lose hope, but work hard to ensure that the Alex Otti’s Government flows seamlessly.
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In response on behalf of the stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Sam Egwu promised that they would comply and make their records available to Government in line with the dawn of a new era currently going on in the state and stressed the need for financial discipline in all facets of the state for proper functioning.
Permanent Secretaries of the various MDAs as well as Managements of Board of Internal Revenue made their briefs and presentations to the Deputy Governor, while top Government Officials were present during the meeting.
