Joseph Odok|1 February 2016|5:29am
The dwindling state of Cross River State economy is a thing of great concern. This is so because of Ayade's elephant projects which remains unrealizable in the eyes of many. More worrisome is the fact that Ayade runs an extravagant government with an enlarged EXCO and charades of cars both for his office and that of the defacto governor Frank Ayade.
The teeming unemployment of our youths, the fact that there is huge infrastructural decay, the collapse of our educational system, non payment of our pensioners, non payment of arrears of our politicians; from councillors and local government chairman to the political appointees who are yet to be given employment letters nor payrolled. The non payment of the severance allowances of past EXCO members and House of Assembly members: The list of debt increases by the day despite the media propaganda that the governor has been prompt in the payment of salaries.
In the face of these daunting challenges, the governor needed not only to be prudent but jealously guide her revenue by blocking all leakages. The governor's approach to our tax system shows a great deal of ineptitude. As it is today, Cross River State has no structure to regulate the activities of tax collecting agents. Before the emergence of Ben Ayade, taxes were regulated by some consultants that keep tract with the day to day activities of tax payers. This was made possible by the design of Revenue Manager as a device that kept an up-to-date record of all tax payers and their year to year records. The special website broke up about last year October. Till date, no company or institution exist to monitor the activities of tax collecting agents in Cross River State.
Accountants in Cross River State Government (CRSG) collude with Tax officers of Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (CRSIRS) to fraud and evade tax revenue in MDA's through cash remitances and cheque exchange.
Your Excellency, beware and act for improved IGR-conduct revenue collection and remittance check on the following:Transcorp Metro Hotels, Obudu Cattle Ranch Hotel, Channels and Tinapa Hotels, Marina Resort etc. Plantation Estates and all revenue worthy agencies of government.
RECOMMENDATIONS
*A centralized way of revenue collaboration through the use of consultants should be immediately put in place.
*Revenue agents must be made to issue receipt of tax payment bearing the seal and stamp of the government.
*The design of a website that will monitor tax collection and remittance to a special account of the state.
*Our economy is too endangered for more waste and leakages.
Joseph Odok
Is a Change Agent, Social Critic &
Friend of the Oppressed
