Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade yesterday announced he was
abolishing all forms of taxation for low income earners in the state.ý
Ayade who disclosed this during a media parley in Calabar, said a bill to
this effect is before the state House of Assembly.
The governor maintained that the poor could not continue to suffer while
the rich keep amassing wealth without giving back, describing the bill as
people-oriented.
Those affected by the governor’s tax exemption policy include civil
servants on minimum wage, petty traders, commercial motorcycle riders,
popularly known as Okada, recharge card vendors among others.
In his words: “Let our desperation for taxation not allow us to heap the
burden on the poor. This must stop. Definitely, God has a purpose of
bringing me here as a governor and I must not disappoint my creator.”
Continuing, he said: “I therefore expect the okada riders to live within the
confines of the law when the bill becomes operational as they will be
expected to drive and earn a good living.”
He explained that plans have reached advanced stage to explore the state’s
water fronts with the view to generating revenue to boost and cushion the
effect of the new tax regime as well as boost the revenue profile of the
state.
On the issue of the eight months strike action embarked by the Judiciary
staff in the state, Governor Ayade disclosed that the issue has been
looked into as their salaries and other entitlements will be fully settled
by the end of August, while urging them to reciprocate the government’s
gesture by returning to work as soon as possible to bring back that arm of
government to live.
On the proposed signature projects, Governor disclosed that pilling and
construction work has commenced, revealing that President Muhammed Buhari
has aaccepted to come and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the dual
carriage super highway in September.
Ayade particularly lauded President Buhari for displaying maturity in
leadership by keeping to his promise of being a president for all,
irrespective of party affiliations.
“The President, after listening to my presentation, agreed to do
everything possible as president to ensure that we achieve and deliver on
the various projects of my administration. In fact, he has accepted my
invitation to come and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the 260km
dual carriage super highway.”