Illegal Revenue Ban: Thousands Of Youths Thrown Out Of Jobs In Edo

Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State

Thousands of youths in Edo State engaged in collecting all forms of revenue for state government have been thrown out of their jobs and source of livelihood following Governor Godwin Obaseki ban on all form of ticketing and illegal taxation.

It would be recalled that Governor Obaseki had in his statewide message on New Year Day declared a ban on all forms of ticketing and illegal taxes by agents of the government, citing lawless activities of some individuals who persist in harassing and extorting innocent citizens under the guise of collecting taxes and levies for the government.

According to the governor, “I must quickly mention that one issue that continues to agitate Edo people is the lawless activities of some individuals who persist in harassing and extorting innocent citizens under the guise of collecting taxes and levies. The laws of our country vest the responsibility for collecting taxes exclusively on the three tiers of government, for instance, federal, state and local governments.”

He continued by stating that “consequently, with effect from today, January 01, 2017, only employees of government can collect taxes and levies in Edo state. All arrangements to collect taxes or levies entered into by any state or local government agency in Edo state ceases to be valid with effect from today.’’