Anthony Iwuoma
Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River Stste has exempted some categories of people and organisations in the state from paying tax.
The governor made the announcement during the inauguration of an anti-tax agency, saying it is sad that the government fails to meet the needs of the people in many areas still collects tax from them.
Governor Ayade, who broke down in tears, said he observed the deplorable state of the people who are even living in mud houses, as he toured round the state.
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According to him, “I never knew that five years as governor, there would still be people living in thatched houses in Cross River.
“I almost cried because I knew how prepared I was but it didn’t end the way I dreamt for the state. I wish God would intervene because I really wish I could help. It’s very painful.
“I charge you that this responsibility comes with its own troubles, you have a choice to do that which is good and the selection of this team is based on your history, it’s based on your profile.
“The understanding of your closeness to God and that you will do that which is fair to all manners of people equally and fairly.
“We charge you to ensure that the poor masses of Cross River State and the small business owners do not come under the harsh hands of the desperate search for money by tax consultants.
“Your responsibility from today going forward is to put an end to illicit taxes on people. We I have a tax law here that prescribes the people.
“We have a tax law here that prescribes the people who are exempted from tax. All those categories of people and those that from time to time will be so announced by the Governor, including every single hotel that has less than 50 rooms in Calabar and the whole state, today are exempted from payment of taxes.
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“We have exempted all Okada riders, taxi drivers airport taxi drivers, small saloon owners, small catering and restaurant points popularly called mama put.
“All those people who sell basic things struggling to earn a living, they have been exempted today from paying tax. We have exempted them because it is better for me as governor to rather task my brain, than to tax my people,” Governor Ayade said.
