Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Abia state, Dr Alex Otti has said multiple-taxation is injurious to business growth and economic development, vowing to end it if elected.
Otti stated this at a meeting with members of Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) and representatives of other allied unions in Aba in Aba.
“Our government will abolish illegal tax and levy collectors and stop the deployment of touts who intimidate residents in public places like markets, parks, roads and stores among others,” he said.
“My definition of taxation is government’s share of the prosperity it has created among the populace. So, create value for the state and the people will be willing to pay their taxes,” he further said.
Otti, who vied for the office in 2015 and 2019 as All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate, added; “By implication, if you have not created prosperity, you are morally not justified to collect taxes.”
Sympathising with them, he assured that the next administration in the state will ensure the creation of the necessary enabling environment for businesses to prosper.
Earlier, the president of the association, Chief Jerry Kalu enumerated the challenges the members go through in conducting their businesses which he said is having serious negative impact on their businesses.
