CLO may sue Bayelsa over multiple taxation

PIQUED by complaints of multiple taxation on businesses in Bayelsa State, the  chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has threatened to take legal action action if necessary steps were not taken by the State government to stop the act.

   The State CLO Chairman, Alabo Nengi James said it was unfortunate that small scale businesses were subjected to a litany of taxes from several groups and government establishment.

   The CLO chief who stated this yesterday when his organization paid a courtesy call to the Federated Correspondent Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Bayelsa State, described the situation as ‘tax injustice.’

   According to him: “It is becoming a worrisome trend. There are so many taxes levied on businesses, particularly on tricycle operators. They have to pay for stickers and taxes to local government, Ministry of Transport, Unions and so many of such levies on a daily basis. It is uncalled for and illegal.

   To make matters worse, police extort money from them too. So, we are calling on government to address this issue. We will take this mater seriously. If the government fails to tackle the problem, may be we will take legal action to reverse the situation’’,

   On insecurity in the country, James called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take effective measures in tackling the menace. He further advocated the creation of job opportunities to address the incidence of kidnapping in the state.

   He also urged the establishment of the Bayelsa State Oil Producing Area Development Commission whereby a certain percentage of the 13percent derivation funds would be ploughed back to oil bearing communities to address some of the needs of the people.

   Responding, the Chairman of the Federated Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, Mr. Samuel Ese said multiple taxation was detrimental to the growth of small and medium enterprises.

He also decried the alleged harassment of the police who mount roadblocks and force commercial motorists to part with some amount of money.

   On the spate of kidnapping, Ese called on youth especially those in the Niger Delta region who benefitted from the amnesty programme to make best use of their newly acquired skills to become self reliant

SOURCE; http://ngrguardiannews.com/news/national-news/174036-clo-may-sue-bayelsa-over-multiple-taxation