In a move to alleviate the burden of fuel subsidy removal on the people, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a strong warning to local government council chairmen, urging them to closely monitor the activities of revenue collectors to prevent multiple taxation. This measure aims to mitigate the challenges faced by the populace due to the recent policy change by the federal government.
The governor made this call during a courtesy visit to Asaba by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter, led by Hon. Victor Ebonka. Recognizing the serious hardships faced by the people, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of avoiding additional taxation at this critical time.
Paragraph 3: Governor Oborevwori acknowledged the existing funding challenges in local government councils and expressed hope that the removal of fuel subsidy would result in increased revenue for both local governments and states. However, until this happens, he urged council chairmen to exercise prudence and creativity in resource management. The governor reassured them that conflicting issues and laws related to taxes would be addressed.
Given the current hardships caused by the subsidy removal, Governor Oborevwori appealed to the council chairmen to communicate with their people, agents, and tax collectors, emphasizing the importance of refraining from imposing unnecessary taxes. He stressed the need to manage the high expectations of the population, particularly considering the current fuel prices. The governor expressed the government’s commitment to finding palliative measures for the people.
Governor Oborevwori urged the councils to prioritize environmental sanitation and sustainability, emphasizing that the responsibility for “operation keep Delta state clean” falls on everyone. He highlighted the collective effort required from all stakeholders to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the state.
During the visit, Hon. Ebonka raised concerns about conflicting laws regarding building permits, sanitation, and waste management. He commended the governor for assisting them in developing strategies to address pension liabilities owed to local government pensioners and retired primary school teachers.