Multiple Taxation: Tricyclists Beg Soludo to Intervene, Rein in Illegal Collectors

Tricycle and shuttle bus operators in Anambra State have called on the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to come to their aid, and stop multiple taxation being levied on them by illegal tax agents.

The operators who also made a petition to the Anambra State House of Assembly acknowledged the efforts of Governor Soludo in ensuring a unified tax system for them, but lamented that illegal tax agents have been their bane in operating in the state.

The Chairman of Anambra Tricycle Riders Association (ANTRA), Mr
Chidozie Okafor called on the governor to approve for the group to function as an independent body and pay only levies approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

He said: “We have written to the Anambra State House of Assembly on this and they have begun work on our petition.

“The Governor Soludo led administration is a listening government and has taken steps towards saving us by introducing many measures aimed at ensuring that revenues are paid directly to government coffers.

“The Governor also established an Anti Touting Squad code named SASA with the aim of identifying and apprehending culprits of multiple taxation in the state, and we are very happy about this.

“But we are asking that he abolish some other illegal tax agents who come to give us problems that result in multiple taxation.”

The chairman added that their letter to the House of Assembly has received favourable attention by lawmakers.

“The House through its Committee on Public Petition looked at the prayers
of our petition and took a resolution explaining that the government is against any form of touting in the state, and whoever that is collecting any fee from us with the name of the state government is null and void and
should be resisted.

“As Chairman of Anambra Tricycle Riders Association (ANTRA), my reaction to the resolution of the House members I that we are thankful that they stood firm by us, and considering what we go through in our business daily.

Comrade Okafor pledged their total support to the Soludo administration
while encouraging members to always be prompt in payment of the
approved fees to government coffers which he said was being utilized in
road construction and other numerous projects that impacts on the people.