Governor Nyesom Wike has directed the Rivers State’s Internal Revenue Service to immediately commence the implementation of the state’s value-added law 2021.
The bill was recently passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the governor last month.
The passage and signing of the law followed a court judgment that empowered state governments to collect Value Added Tax instead of the federal government through the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The governor gave the directive during a nationwide broadcast from the state Government House in Port Harcourt.
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Governor Wike advised Corporate bodies in the state to ensure they comply with the law by paying their taxes to the state government or risk being sanctioned including “the sealing off of their businesses”.
“And with today’s judgment, the way is now clear for the administration and enforcement of the Rivers State Value Added Tax Law 2021 across the entire state until otherwise decided and set aside by the Superior Courts.
“Consequently, I hereby direct the Rivers State Revenue Service (RSRS) to ensure the full and total implementation and enforcement of this law against all corporate bodies, business entities and individuals with immediate effect”.
“All corporate bodies, business entities and individuals are advised to willingly, truthfully and promptly comply with their tax obligations under this law to avoid the full weight of the stipulated sanctions, including having their business premises sealed-up”.
“Let me warn that the Rivers State Government is fully in charge of the State and will not tolerate any further attempt by the FIRS to sabotage or undermine our authority to freely administer our tax and other related laws in our own State. Those who play with fire risk having their fingers burnt. Enough of the shenanigans”.
Governor Wike said the law will be in place until the judgment is set aside by a superior court.
