The Acting Executive Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Agema has warned staff of the board to desist from all forms of corrupt practices to encourage taxpayers to contribute to the development of the state through payment of taxes.
The chairman who bared his mind while interacting with journalists in his office recently in Makurdi, said taxpayers will have more confidence in the system when revenue generated are properly channeled to developmental projects. He insisted that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption and said staff would benefit more by doing things right.
He noted that when “people pay taxes to government officials but only see improvement in terms of flamboyant lifestyles in the number of cars, good houses, improved living conditions of revenue collectors rather than committing the resources generated to infrastructure development such as building of hospitals, renovation of schools and provision of water and electricity, they get discouraged”.
He added that his administration will go after any staff of the board with the intent to sabotage government’s efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to Benue people.
According to the tax expert, what government of Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has done within six months in the areas of payment of salaries, pensions and construction of roads across the state despite challenges, made Benue people believe that his administration means well for them. He pointed out that the people are equally happy that their taxes are being properly utilised.
He assured that BIRS under his leadership will continue to contribute its quota to the development of the state by ensuring that revenue sources were properly harnessed to support the present administration to bring the needed development in the state.
Agema who commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the new Benue, advised staff of the board to give him maximum cooperation and do things right at all times, shun all corrupt tendencies to assist government deliver on its campaign promises.
