Chief Judge calls for end to tax collection crisis between state, local authorities in Akwa Ibom
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot has called on judges in the state to come up with insights for resolving continuous crisis between the State government and the local authorities in matters of tax collection in the state.
The CJ made the call in Uyo while delivering a keynote address at a 3-day training on taxation for judges organised by the State Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State judiciary with the theme ” Contemporary Issues in Tax Administration” held at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort.
Justice Obot said, “Here I must say that there is a lot of disputes as to the collection of tax between the state and the local governments because a lot of them when they come to court they will say, no it’s the right of the local government to collect in view of the constitution and the state will also say it is their right. So, I will like this to be ironed out at this training.
“As participants embark on this training journey, the knowledge gained will enable our judges and magistrates to adjudicate tax-related cases with fairness, Impartiality, and adherence to the principles of justice.”
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service, Okon Okon noted that Judges play a key role in interpreting the law and ensuring fairness in the application of tax regulations through the justice delivery system.
He expressed optimism that the training would serve the purpose it was intended as well as open windows for sharing of knowledge and ideas on how to improve tax adjudication and administration in the State.
