FIRS’ attempt to amend VAT Law will  fail – Akeredolu

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Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Sunday said that the amendments being sought by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the National Assembly on the controversial Value Added Tax will be halted at the State House of Assemblies.

Saying such amendment wont get the blessing of the lawmakers in the state, the Ondo State Governor said the law does not give power to the federal government to collect VAT and share to the states, adding that the VAT should be under the states.

 

“That’s the position of the law. The FIRS seeking for amendment is a confirmation that they don’t have the power. The amendment will be dead on arrival. Why seek an amendment to a constitution when the provision is so clear.” Akeredolu explained.

 

The Governor spoke on ‘Arise TV Sunday Talk Show’ hosted by Reuben Abati.

 

The Governor insisted that if the Federal Government was to collect VAT for states, it can only get percentage which the federal government can decide to share at the FAAC.

 

“You can only collect VAT on behalf of the states and hand their money over to them. You can only take percentage there for helping us to collect the money.” He said.

 

On the Petroleum Industry Act controversy, he said the Southern Governors’ Forum aligned and agreed with the position and steps taken by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to pursue the amendment to the Petroleum Industry Bill so as to reflect equity, justice and fairness.

 

Denying that his recent visit to Asiwaju Tinubu had anything to do with the 2023 election, the Governor said Tinubu is the ‘capon’ in the south.

 

He said whoever the candidate of the APC is for the 2023 election would be good for him.

 

He said, “We went to London because It was important for us to go and see for ourselves. How he’s doing. He’s the capon for us here. By the time he comes, we can make some serious decisions.”

 

He said:There is no provision that says what amount of people to appoint to fill the cabinet adding that only the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice is stated there.

 

“The number of who will work with me will be decided by me. Come early next month we will have more commissioners. I’m to determine the number of Commissioner that I will want to work with. Governor Agagu worked with less than 11 Commissioners. I’m not saying it is ideal.

 

“I will have to put in more people come next month. But it can’t be as many as it was in the first term because the finances of the state is badly affected.”

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