Author: Tribune Online

he Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has called for joint efforts by the Federal Government and the Borno State Government to end the insurgency in the state

Artisans in Ebonyi State have raised alarm over alleged escalating cases of double taxation, excessive levies, and harassment by revenue contractors.

They have called on the state government to urgently scrap the involvement of third parties in the collection of internally generated revenue (IGR).

The concerns were made known on Monday in Abakaliki during the artisans’ stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter. Leaders across various trade groups decried what they termed an “unsustainable and exploitative” tax regime.

The state President of the association, Engr. Francis John Nwebonyi, who addressed journalists after the meeting, said the grievances were widespread and affected all artisan groups.

“The objective of this engagement is to address the growing discontent among our members over the manner in which IGR is being administered. Artisans are not opposed to paying taxes.

“However, the introduction of third-party contractors has led to systemic abuses, including intimidation, over-taxation, and, in some instances, the confiscation of tools and equipment,” he said.

Nwebonyi warned that the current system is eroding the gains of government skills development initiatives.

“Many of our members, who acquired their tools through loans and government-supported programmes, are being driven out of business. This trend is counterproductive and undermines the economic objectives of the state,” he added.

He called for a policy shift that would allow registered trade associations to handle revenue collection within their sectors.

“We are proposing a transparent framework where associations take responsibility for collecting and remitting taxes directly to the government. This will enhance accountability, ensure compliance, and eliminate the excesses associated with external contractors,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Tailors Association, Mr. Chinedu Agbe, described the current levy structure as arbitrary and burdensome. “Our members are deeply frustrated. The charges imposed on artisans have increased significantly without any clear justification or consultation.

“In previous years, we paid about ₦14,000. Today, some of our members are being asked to pay as much as ₦59,000. This is simply not sustainable,” he said.

He criticised the lack of transparency in the assessment process, noting that contractors rely on undisclosed criteria.
“We are told that payments are determined by a chart, yet that chart is not made available to us. There is no clarity on how these figures are arrived at, which raises serious concerns about fairness and accountability,” he stated.

Chairman of the Welders and General Fitters Association, Mr. Soludo Ogodo, attributed the crisis to the outsourcing of revenue collection to individuals unfamiliar with the operational realities of artisan trades.

“The involvement of third parties has distorted the system. These contractors impose arbitrary charges and, in some cases, demand multiple payments within a single year. Such practices are not only unjust but also disruptive to our businesses,” Ogodo said.

He recounted a personal experience to underscore the severity of the situation.
“I was arrested last year over alleged non-compliance despite having fulfilled my tax obligations. Experiences like this diminish trust in the system and discourage voluntary compliance,” he said.

Similarly, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Mr. Johnson Azi, expressed concern over what he described as “gross discrepancies” between official tax rates and actual demands by contractors.

“The officially recognised IGR for artisans is about ₦14,000 annually. However, our members are being issued demand notices ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦59,000. This level of inconsistency raises critical questions about the integrity of the collection process,” he said.

He maintained that artisans are willing to meet their tax obligations under a more structured system. “We are not resisting taxation. What we reject is the involvement of intermediaries who exploit the process. The associations have the capacity to manage collections efficiently and remit directly to government without conflict,” he added.

On his part, Chairman of the Furniture Makers Association, Mr. Chukwu Michael, described the development as a major setback to the growth of small-scale enterprises in the state.

“For the past few years, the system was manageable and predictable. What we are witnessing now is a sharp deviation, characterised by excessive and unregulated charges. Many of our members are finding it increasingly difficult to remain in business,” he said.

He warned that the situation could lead to wider economic consequences if left unaddressed. “When artisans are forced out of their trades, it not only affects livelihoods but also reduces the state’s revenue base in the long run,” he noted.

Corroborating this position, a vulcaniser association leader in the state, Mr. Simon Elom, said the pressure from rising levies was already triggering business closures and migration.

“A significant number of our members are relocating to rural areas or abandoning their trades entirely due to the financial strain. This trend is unhealthy for both the artisans and the state economy,” Elom said.

The artisans, in a formal communication addressed to the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service, requested that all revenue collection contracts relating to their trades be reassigned to their respective associations.

They argued that such a move would promote transparency, reduce conflict, and improve compliance while ensuring a more stable and productive business environment.

When contacted, the Secretary of the Ebonyi State IGR Board, Barrister Emmanuel Egba, said he would respond to the allegations the following day. Efforts to reach the Chairman, Mr. Christopher Omo Isu, were unsuccessful as of press time.

Ebonyi artisans lament double taxation, harassment by revenue contractors

By Steve Oko

Abia State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic killing of a trailer driver, Kelechi Ejiofor, following a fatal shooting involving a soldier at the Uratta Timber Market in Aba.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the government described the incident as “heartbreaking” and one that has cast a pall of grief across the state.

The government extended its condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of the deceased, assuring them that steps are being taken to ensure justice is served.

According to the statement, the state government has commenced high-level engagements with the military authorities to facilitate a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“We wish to assure the family of the deceased and the general public that justice will not only be pursued but will be seen to be done,” the statement read, adding that any officer found culpable would face both disciplinary and legal consequences.

While calling for calm, the government urged residents to remain law-abiding and peaceful as authorities intensify efforts to unravel the facts behind the incident.

Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the government stressed that it would not tolerate acts of injustice, vowing that the rule of law and citizens’ rights would be upheld at all times.

The killing has sparked outrage and concern among residents, further heightening calls for accountability and reforms in civil-military relations within the state.

The post Abia govt condemns shooting of driver by soldier, vows justice appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unanimously adopted Senator Solomon Adeola as the party’s consensus governorship candidate. The adoption was announced by Governor Dapo Abiodun during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday in Abeokuta. The meeting was attended by former governors of the state—Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and […]

The duo, whose addresses were not stated, are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy and stealing….

…calls him ‘a questionable patriot’ The Presidency on Monday criticised the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, over his reaction to Sunday airstrikes on Jilli Market by the Nigerian Armed Forces. The former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential aspirant had, in a tweet on his X handle, @atiku faulted the airstrikes, which he claimed […]

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has defended his movement across political parties, insisting his decisions were driven by principle rather than personal ambition.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Tv, Obi said his political journey, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and later to the Labour Party, was shaped by his refusal to tolerate internal crises and “transactional politics.”

“We must dismantle this criminality that exists today,” Obi said, stressing that his political engagements are rooted in reforming governance and strengthening democratic values.

Responding to concerns about his frequent party changes, Obi explained that his exit from APGA was to prevent internal disputes from destabilising governance in Anambra State.

“I moved from APGA to the PDP because of issues with my successor. Rather than allow it to become destructive to governance, I moved out,” he stated.

He further criticised practices within the PDP, describing them as inconsistent with his principles.

“People were not playing by the rules. It was transactional. I cannot be part of a transactional system,” he said.

Obi also addressed developments within the Labour Party, noting that internal conflicts and legal disputes contributed to instability within the platform.

Despite aligning with figures across political divides, including those now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi maintained that the focus should be on present commitments rather than past affiliations.

“What is important is not what people were yesterday, but what they are today,” he said.

He acknowledged public scepticism but insisted that ongoing political realignments are part of a broader effort to rebuild a credible opposition capable of delivering accountable leadership.

“We are ready to work with people who are committed to change. If the process is compromised again, we will continue the fight,” Obi added.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity and shifting alliances ahead of future elections, with opposition figures seeking to consolidate forces and present a unified front against entrenched political structures.

I switch parties because I don’t play transactional politics – Peter Obi

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Abiodun made the declaration on Monday during a strategic caucus meeting attended by party leaders and stakeholders, where discussions focused on succession planning and preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

In a video clip from the meeting, the governor said the party had already settled on its preferred flag bearer.

“But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” Abiodun stated.

Following the announcement, Adeola stood up to loud cheers from supporters, with chants and music filling the venue in a display of endorsement by party faithful.

The governor also used the opportunity to highlight the importance of continuity within the party, referencing previous leadership transitions and urging members to remain united in backing a candidate capable of sustaining the APC’s political dominance in Ogun State.

The meeting, which drew key figures within the party, is being viewed as a major step in shaping the APC’s strategy ahead of the 2027 governorship race. Political observers say the early endorsement could narrow the field of aspirants and consolidate support around Adeola within the party structure.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West in the Senate, is a prominent figure within the APC and has long been considered a strong contender in the state’s governorship politics.

The post Ogun 2027: Gov Abiodun announces Adeola as APC consensus pick appeared first on Vanguard News.

Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has flayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for comparing Nigeria with Kenya and other African countries in the midst of global economic challenges. In a post on his X handle on Monday, the former governor of Anambra State recalled that in a […]

…reiterates commitment to equity, justice, fairness Gombe State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has restated his commitment to equity, justice and fairness in the political affairs of the State. He also assured that the growing call for the Gombe Central Senatorial seat to rotate to […]