REVENUE COURT NOW IN ENUGU STATE
The Enugu State Government has inaugurated a revenue court to address tax related issues in the area.
Performing the ceremony at the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue Tax office, the Chief Judge, Justice Ngozi Emehelu emphasised the need for tax payment and its attendant value to the development of the state’s economy.
Justice Emehelu noted that the establishment of the revenue court, which had the duty to hear and determine tax and revenue cases, would afford dissatisfied citizens the opportunity to seek redress on revenue matters.
“Refusal to pay tax is a strict liability offence under the Customary Income Tax Act Cap 8 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 and Finance Amendment Law 2011, Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria.”
The State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Melitus Eze and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Revenue and Financial Matters, Ada-kene Uyanwunne said that the backbone of any successive government was hinged upon tax payment of its citizens and urged the people to remain committed in fulfilling their civic duties.
“Without funds, governments cannot execute welfare and development projects. With the dwindling allocation from the Federal account, a robust internally generated revenue is the only panacea.”
“Taxation is important to legislative authority and this is bridging the gap between the people and legislative arm of government.”
The Chairman, Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Emeka Odo emphasised the commitment of his office to increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, by plugging all leakages in the system.
“This new board has in the past one year implemented far reaching measures to reform revenue service, eliminate corruption, block pilfering of tax and non tax income of Government and round up IGR in steady and sustainable manner.”
The inauguration ceremony witness a partial sitting, presided over by Chief Magistrate, Joseph Agu.
The Presiding officers of the revenue court were Justice Ken Okpe and His worships, Joseph Agu and Angela Chioke.
CHUKWUMA EZEOGU