Amaechi Blasts Critics Over Projects Execution …Charts Path For Tax Reforms

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi took a swipe at critics of his administration over the quantum of projects being executed, assuring that his government is on track and would deliver on all projects before leaving office in the next four years.

The Governor who spoke with Government House reporters during an unscheduled visits to some projects in Port Harcourt last Thursday, argued that his critics do not understand the reality on ground as the state is in dire need of development.

His words,” I don’t understand what the critics wants us to do. The issue is that we are overwhelmed by the problems we came to meet on ground, and we are challenged that the basic things are lacking compared to the  kind the secondary schools we have and the ones we should have had”.

He maintained that his administration is doing all it can to put the state on better footing, noting that the government is handling about 200 road projects with a quarter already completed and delivered.

Gov Amaechi submitted that by next month, a fresh batch of projects will also be completed. These include, the Agip Flyover bridge, Dental Clinic at Garrison, Prof Kelsey Harrison Hospital in Diobu, Olu-Obasanjo Road amongst others.

Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has ordered the contractor handling the construction of Okporo Road in Port Harcourt to commence work despite the rains.

The Governor gave the order yesterday while inspecting some on-going road construction within and outside the city.

Rt Hon. Amaechi said  he has directed the Commissioner of Works to impress on the contractor not to delay on commencing work on the road, which he said is in a sorry state and needs quick attention.

He remarked,” we do not owe the contractor, we have paid him and he has agreed to commence work on the road next week”.

The Rivers State chief executive also instructed the contactor handling the Amadi- Amadi/Abuloma Road to ensure that the drains are underground to avoid it being blocked by debris. “If funds are available, our target is to ensure the road is completed before the next rainy season”, he assured.

Other projects the Governor inspected include the new Woji Bridge and the Greater Port Harcourt City .

Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, has called for an effective and transparent tax administration, for improved revenue generation strategies in the country.

The governor made the call at the second International Tax Conference organised by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) in Abuja on Friday.

Governor Amaechi who delivered a goodwill message at the occasion, was of the view that the huge lapses recorded in the nation’s tax system was as a result of poor accountability.

The governor submitted that good governance can only be realised when the citizens hold their leaders accountable. “We have corruption including in the Federal Inland Revenue Service because nobody pays his taxes and cares how their money is utilized”.

He stressed the need for the JTB to fashion out ways to ensure that the citizens pay taxes without necessarily compelling them to do so.

This he further explained can be realised with continuous dialogue and discussions, noting that, “member states can tackle challenges faced in tax administration and fashion out ways of improving revenue generation without necessarily introducing new forms of taxes”.

Governor Amaechi pledged the support of the Nigeria Governor‘s Forum to the conference, and charged the organisers to make available the outcome of their deliberations for subsequent consideration and implementation by the forum.

In his paper, “Challenges of Tax Administration in a Monolithic Economy,” Deputy Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Commission in New Zealand, Mr Harsa Pancha pointed out that Nigeria’s tax system had remained comatose due to over-reliance on  oil.

He advocated for a broad-based tax regime which will create more tax opportunites and stabilise the country’s economy.

Director- General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Chief Jide Mike called for coherence in the country’s tax laws.

He was of the opinion that unless the numerous tax duplications were eliminated, the nation would continue to face tax leakages and corruption.

In her view, Prof Yinka Omorogbe of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, lamented that the nation’s economy has remained stagnant due to emphasis on oil revenue.

She proffered the need for the authorities to improve their record keeping and statistics to reduce tax evasion.

Expressing appreciation to Governor Amaechi and other participants, Secretary to the JTB, Mr.M L Abubakar assured that the board would use the deliberations to boost its operations.

From right: Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon.Chibuike Amaechi, Cross Rivers State Governor and Chairman, South- South Governors' Forum, Sen. Liyel Imoke, Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva and Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan at the meeting of the South-South Governors' Forum in Yenagoa, last Friday.