Niger Delta
Deputy Gov Tasks Institute On Taxation
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has been advised to evolve policies that would make taxation a pleasurable civic responsibility.
The acting Governor of Cross River State, Mr Efiok Cobham, gave the advice when Chief Asiwaju Jegede, the institute’s president led other members of the body on a courtesy visit to government house, Calabar.
Cobham said that the call became necessary because the nation needed to diversify its economy and reduce over dependence on hydro-carbon as a major source of federal revenue.
He said that a well-articulated tax policy was capable of generating revenue equivalent to what was currently derived from hydro-carbon.
Cobham said that Cross River Government decided to overhaul the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) to make it more vibrant, effective and meaningful to state development.
He said the state government also embarked on capacity building for taxation officers and the introduction of automated tax system.
According to him the state government also acquired “the latest taxation software that will check corruption and engender cash-less economy on the state in line with current realities’’.
The acting governor said the state intended to use its internally generated revenue to run government while the federal allocation would be used for capital project.
He pointed out that the state had diversified into the development of tourism and agriculture where it had comparative advantage to achieve the anticipated socio-economic transformation.
Cobham expressed the hope that with the new regime of taxation, the needed revenue would be generated from tourism and the agriculture sector.
He also sought for technical assistance from the body for the state’s Board of Internal Revenue to enable it function optimally.
Cobham commended the council for choosing Cross River for its 2013 Annual General Meeting and promised to support the newly inaugurated body in the state.
Jegede had told Cobham that the body, established in 1982 and granted chattered status in 1992, had over the years advised the Federal Government and contributed to tax development ventures in all tiers of government.
He called for financial and administrative autonomy of the tax administration body in the country to enable it to perform effectively.
According to him bureaucratic bottlenecks often hindered smooth operations of tax system in Nigeria, adding that freedom from the ministry would make it more proactive and responsive.
He also called on the government to appoint and elevate the head of the agency to a cabinet cadre to enable the officer to be part of policy making process.
The president also advised the state House of Assembly to establish special committee on taxation separate from finance committee with clear mandate on tax matters.
He lauded the administrative style of Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River “for the giant strides recorded so far, especially in the area of tourism’’.
Jegede said the body would partner with Cross River in its quest to re-position its tax administration.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
