Soludo explained that what is in operation is the existing regulatory framework inherited by his administration from the previous government
By Emma Ogbuehi
Anambra state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has debunked allegations that his administration is imposing fresh levy on wheelbarrow pushers and related workers in the state.
There have been concern in some parts of the state over insinuations that the government has concluded plans to impose a fresh regime of levies on certain categories of workers in the state, considered vulnerable.
A group, Open Alliance for Civil Society and Non State Actors, Anambra State had on account of the allegation, tasked the government to make clarifications on the matter.
The group, through it coordinator, Prince Chris Azor, said it had written to the appropriate authorities in Anambra, requesting for clarifications on the purported taxing of those it called the core poor and most vulnerable groups, especially wheelbarrow pushers and the like.
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It disclosed that it had written to the Commissioner for Transportation and the Chairman, Inland Revenue Service, seeking detailed clarification on the propriety of the exercise.
“We have been inundated with calls and complaints from stakeholders demanding to know the reason for what they described as insensitivity of the State Government and its handlers. The impression they give is that the government is taxing the core poor including wheelbarrow pushers
“Countries all over the globe are giving tax exemptions, with palliatives and social protection to the core poor affected by COVID-19 and sundry emergencies as well as general economic downturn.
“The State government can come up with other innovative strategies to raise revenue, rather than stifling the poor and vulnerable.
“We, therefore, humbly request that the State government come up with convincing explanations for its action within the next one week,” Azor demanded.
Reacting to the development, Soludo who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, emphasised that the state has not imposed new levies on the cadre of workers mentioned. He stressed that what is in operation is the existing regulatory framework inherited by the administration from the previous government.
The statement reads:
“Anambra state governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, notes with concern, insinuations in some quarters alleging moves to impose levy on wheelbarrow pushers and allied workers in Anambra State, by the state government.
“The governor wishes to debunk the allegation as a misguided fabrication by mischief makers to cause disaffection between the state government and a section of the citizens.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Anambra state government, under Prof Soludo, has not imposed any new levy on wheelbarrow pushers and allied workers.
“What is in operation is the existing regulatory framework inherited by the administration from the previous government.
“It is therefore wrong for any group or individuals to allege or insinuate that the government has imposed any new levy on the workers in that category.
“Soludo advises hardworking Anambra men and women to disregard the allegation and treat it as unfounded. At all times, the governor considers the welfare of the citizens of the state a top priority of his administration.
