RE: DEMAND NOTICE FOR THE COLLECTION OF LAND USE CHARGE BY THE EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT

 

RE: DEMAND NOTICE FOR THE COLLECTION OF LAND USE CHARGE BY THE EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT

With reference to your letter to the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on the above subject matter, I am directed to first of all,express condolences on behalf of the Governor on the passing away of your mother.

It is however pertinent to reiterate the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of all classes of people in the State particularly the elderly and pensioners as displayed by the increase of the paltry and irregular provision of N10 million naira provided by the previous administration for payment of gratuities to a minimum of N100 million naira to offset the backlogs (as you rightly called it) of pensioners' gratuities in the State.

It is on record that a sum of 200 million naira was recently released to further reduce the backlog which unfortunately, had built up through the neglect of past administrations.

Please be assured that government would continue to work assiduously towards defraying the outstanding amount within available resources in the face of the global daunting economic situation.

On the issue of the Land Use Charge Demand Notice, it is unfortunate that you consider the tax "unnecessary financial burdens" while in the same breath demanded that government fulfil its financial obligations.

I honestly do not want to believe that your complaints of not seeing any traceable bank details on the bill was borne out of pure mischief or sheer ignorance as there is a section of the bill that explicitly states ‘How To Pay Your Tax’ in the bill.

The Fayemi led administration is not interested in extorting Ekiti people but to serve them by providing infrastructures with the money it makes from legitimate avenues like taxation according to global best practices.

For clarification, the Ekiti State land use charge law No 3 of 2013 was duly passed into law on 17th October 2013 hence; it is not a new form of tax.

The LUC law encompasses the old, ubiquitous Tenement Rate, Ground rent and Neighborhood improvement levy, with the revenue collected constituting an integral part of funds used by the state and local government to provide necessary social amenities and infrastructures for the people.

For the avoidance of doubt, the State government never threatened to demolish any house for failure to pay tax or authorized its officials or agents to intimidate anybody for the same purpose as penalty for failure to adhere by the law is expressly stated by the law.

While the allegation of intimidation shall be thoroughly investigated and erring officers (if any) appropriately sanctioned, it is apt to note that payment of tax is a civic obligation that guarantees development of the State and enhance the welfare of the people.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.

Hon. Eleazar Olumuyiwa Ogunmilade

Chairman, Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service