By Itam Offor
The State House of Assembly has condemned the imposition and collection of illegal and unauthorized levies captioned “Evacuation Permit” from trucks hauling granite from quarries in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.
The House in its sitting last week, subsequently urged the Ministry of Environment to stop the illegal collection and also withdraw such revenue agents/consultants from Akamkpa.
The House further invited the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer explanation on the matter which, according to the Lawmakers, is capable of disrupting economic activities in the area.
These were resolutions adopted following a matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by the Member representing Akamkpa 1 State Constituency, Hon Okon Nyong Owuna.
In his presentation, Owuna stated that the State Ministry of Environment had, “engaged revenue consultants to illegally collect revenue called CRS evacuation permit from trucks hauling granite aggregate from quarries in Akamkpa 1 State Constituency.”
The Lawmaker stressed that the collection is not among the list of levies approved by the CRS Internal Revenue Service nor is it backed by the CRSG Revenue Administration Law passed the State Assembly.
The Lawmaker further informed that, the collection of the illegal levies has caused serious hardship for truck drivers as well as business owners in Akamkpa leading to the withdrawal of their trucks to neighbouring states. He reiterated the need to stop the trend to preserve the good image of the State.
“This illegal act if not nipped in the bud is capable of destroying the hard earned reputation and good image that our dear Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has built for our State with his people’s First Mantra”. Owuna stated.
In their seperate remarks, the Lawmakers unanimously condemned the act as well as all forms of illegal collections and double taxations in the State. They stressed that all those involved in acts should be sanctioned in line with the law.
In his remarks the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem condemned the act and emphasized the need for an interface with the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman of IRS to ascertain the true position of things.
