Abia government reiterates ban on multiple taxation, others

…raises taskforce to apprehend culprits

The Abia State Govern- ment has expressed shock that despite the ban on multiple taxa- tion and illegal collec- tion of dues, levies and tolls, some miscreants and their agents have continued to ply their nefarious trade both in Aba and Umuahia metropolis.

Government’s position was contained in a statement signed by Godwin Adindu, chief press secretary to the governor, a copy of which was made available to BusinessDay.

According to the CPS, “For the avoidance of doubt, the govern- ment is hereby re-confirming to the general public that it is only two government agencies that have so far been verified, authorised and mandated to collect levies and dues on behalf of government.

“These two agencies of govern- ment are: Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS) and the Physi- cal Planning Industrial Develop- ment Fund (PPIDF).”

The statement called on all resi- dents and indigenes of the state to continue to pay their normal levies to above-listed (two) agencies of government.

“Any other group, individuals or agents, outside of these two authorised government agen- cies, who have continued to defy the government order, are again warned to desist from their illegal and unlawful acts. Already, a spe- cial security taskforce has started to apprehend such culprits and they will soon face the full weight of the law,” the statement emphasised.

“The general public is therefore, reminded that the current state government is taking the issue of taxation and revenue collection with serious concern and will take firm and legitimate measures to bring order and decorum to this important sector of our state economy,” it added.

ZEBULON AGOMUO