By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
Acting Executive Chairman Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Emmanuel Agema, has cautioned staff against all forms of corrupt practices that will hinder development of the state
The chairman who stated this while interacting with journalists in Makurdi, said tax payers have more confidence in the system when revenue generated are properly channelled to developmental projects.
He insisted that tax administration under the current government has zero tolerance for corruption and strongly advised staff to do things rightly.
According to him, when people pay taxes to government officials, they expect to see improvements and commitment to infrastructural development such building of hospitals, renovation of schools and provision of water and electricity.
The people get to be discouraged to pay taxes when they see nothing positively happening, adding that his administration in the tax office will not hesitate to go after staff of the board with the intent to sabotage government efforts in bringing about dividends of democracy to Benue people through corrupt self enrichment.
He pointed out that what the government of Reverend Father Alia has done within six months in the areas of payment of salaries, pensions and construction of roads across the state despite challenges has no doubt made Benue people to believe that his administration has meant well for the State.
The BIRS boss assured that his leadership will continue to contribute it’s quota to develop the State by ensuring that revenue sources were properly harnessed to support the present administration to bring about the needed development of the state.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the new Benue, soliciting for maximum cooperation from the staff.
