Kwara State Governor, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaqKwara Internal Revenue Services has debunked the alleged victimisation of Igbo business owners in the state over noncompliance with tax payment laws.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The clarification was contained in a press statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs of the agency, Funmilola Oguntunbi, and made available to the press in Ilorin, the state capital on Saturday
The agency clarified that the claim of victimization of Igbo traders by KW-IRS, published online and targeting Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, was false and aimed at stirring ethnic sentiments for unfair public support.
The statement read, “The attention of the Service has been drawn to a false, malicious, and inciting publication on 31st July 2024 by one online publication, International Centre for Investigative Reporting, against the personality of the Governor of Kwara State and the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service respectively.
“We suspect that the false narrative may have originated from members of the Kwara State Igbo Traders Association (KWAITA), who recently filed a lawsuit against the Service on July 12, 2024, on the same issue.
In response to false claims, we clarify that the Governor of Kwara State never instructed the Service to discriminate against anyone based on religion, ethnicity, or personal identity.
KW-IRS stated that tax judgments were executed impartially, affecting six taxpayers: three Igbo traders and three Yoruba traders.
The agency’s judgment affected both Igbo and Yoruba traders on Ibrahim Taiwo Road: Igbo traders included those dealing in electrical appliances, boutiques, and auto parts, while Yoruba traders included those selling phone accessories, other goods, and providing educational services.
“The Service follows a non-discriminatory policy for assessing and collecting personal income tax, in line with the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011. It will not engage with the publisher on matters currently under court review to avoid sub judice issues.
“Against this background, and as a reputable Agency that firmly believes in the principles of the rule of law and judicial process, we would not allow anyone to drag the Service’s hard-earned reputation in the mud.
“We advise ICIR and others behind the publication to avoid inflaming public opinion on issues currently in court, where facts may be selectively presented. We urge them to respect the court’s constitutional powers and functions.
