The Igbo traders’ representative body in Kwara State, the Igbo Community General Assembly, assures the public of their cordial ties with the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, refuting any claims of disagreement.
Additionally, recognition was given to the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Mahe AbdulKadir, and the Senior Adviser to the governor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu, for their instrumental role in mediating the dispute between the Igbo traders and the revenue agency.
In a statement attributed to Igwebuike Angus, the governor’s Special Assistant on Community Relations (Igbo), the union’s position was clarified.
The statement read in part, “Assuredly, the dexterity and unassuming charisma you both displayed while interfacing with the parties did assert the right narrative. We’re eternally grateful and will continue to contribute our quota towards the development of our dear state.
“Our resolution to both partner, support and identify with developmental strides of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, is unwavering. The concerted efforts of the government to move Kwara State from a civil service state to a nerve of commerce and industries is our delight as chief drivers.”
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Recently, the Igbo Traders Association took action by closing their shops across different parts of Ilorin, citing intimidation and excessive taxation imposed by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service.
Angus, in the released statement, depicted the Igbo populace in Kwara State as law-abiding members of society, expressing their desire to steer clear of any unnecessary disputes with government bodies.
“For us, payment of tax is a mandatory obligation that must be discharged. The record speaks for itself that the Kwara State Government once gave this community an award as ‘Most Responsive Association’ in Kwara concerning tax remittances. On this, we can only say, we’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.
They stated that they wanted the general public to note that what had happened on March 1, 2024, which some self-serving actor(s) wanted to blow out of proportion, was just one of those negotiations typical in any business environment. They emphasized that at no point in time had the Igbo withdrawn or withheld their services cum businesses in town.