Akwa Ibom LG Clarifies Crisis Over Revenue Collection

THE leadership of Mkpat Enin Local government Council in Akwa Ibom State has given clarification to the crisis between dissolved and newly constituted revenue collection groups during which a youth identified Samuel Toby was killed.

The Secretary of the Transition Committee, Pastor Amos Afia, in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Uyo said following media reports regarding the crisis, it became imperative to set the record straight.

Afia explained that after due consultation with members of the Transition Committee, had issued a press release declaring December 2023 a tax-free month for traders in Mkpat Enin.

He added, “We also announced the dissolution of all standing committees in the Local Government Council including the revenue collection committee.

“Despite the radio and social media announcement for the smooth implementation of the tax-free exercise, some Youths in the Local Government led by Akanimo Bob Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to the Governor, and Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, the village Head of Ikot Akpaobong Village flouted the order by forcefully selling unauthorized tickets to traders in Akpaudo and Ukam markets.

“On December 20, 2023, the village head of Ikot Akpaobong, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, was officially written to, introducing the enforcement team on the tax-free excise in all the markets in the village.

” In addition, on December 29, 2023, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, got a letter introducing members of the newly constituted Markets/Motor Parks Committee as the authorized persons for revenue collection from January 1, 2024″

Pastor Afia, however, claimed that on December 22, 2023, they received report that an indigene of local government identified as Samuel Monday Toby was attacked at his home for assisting in the enforcement of revenue collection suspension in Ikot Akpaobong Market.

He disclosed that details of the attack and his unfortunate killing of Toby were contained in the petition wife by the deceased Mrs Gift Samuel Monday, to the State Commissioner of Police.
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