‘Abia Taxation Not Draconian’

Special Adviser to Abia State governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Emmanuel Okpechi, has denied that the state’s taxation is draconian with ruthless enforcement.

‎Okpechi asserted in a statement made available to the media yesterday, while refuting the allegation in “a recent article,” in Umuahia, the state capital.

The statement, “Reclaiming Revenue, Restoration Trust: Facts On Abia’s People-First Reforms,” maintained that “the claims are inaccurate and false.”

It said the state had implemented the Treasury Single Account model, as all government revenues are paid into the account, and expenditures are made from the same account.

“This plugs leakages, improves cash management, enables real-time reconciliation and audit trails, and ends opaque ministries, departments, and agencies’ accounts.”

It also noted that collections are centralised under the Board of Internal Revenue to prevent multiple taxation with consolidated demand notices and e-receipting via approved channels.

The statement, which didn’t disclose the source of the allegation, assured that the government remains committed to fairness, transparency, and growth.

“Together – the government and citizens can keep revenue honest, end harassment for good, and fund people-oriented development across our state.”