COMPLAINTS AGAINST LEVIES BY POINT OF SALE OPERATORS
My attention has been drawn to public complaints emanating from levies issued by one of the committees the Ika South Local Government established few weeks ago, being the Point Of Sale (POS) committee.
I wish to express my concern and disapproval at members of committees issuing statements using letterheads of Ika South Local Government, as they are not council staff.
It is against the backdrop that I am forced to respond swiftly.
First, I state without equivocation that Ika South Local Government is free to charge levies as spelt out in Revenue By-laws of 2021.
However, to fix levies, stakeholders must engage and agree. It has been brought to my notice that this important path was not taken by the committee members.
Business owners must pay taxes and levies but the rates must be fair.
I was not elected to increase the pains of residents. One of my core duties is to provide succour and create favourable environment for businesses to thrive, and this I will do.
Ika South Local Government under my watch will be very responsive. I will ensure that robust consultations between the Committee and POS operators are held, to resolve this issue.
As a show of my commitment to residents of Ika South Local Government Area, I have also directed suspension of the collection of levies from operators of POS for now, until these matters are resolved. I expect calm and restraint from all parties.
Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior,
Chairman, Ika South Local Government.
