Edo to Partner RTEAN on Harmonized Tax Bill

By Dipo Olowookere

Edo State government has promised to work with the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the implementation of the proposed harmonized tax and levies bill in the state.

This pledge was made by the state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, while receiving both the national and state executives of RTEAN in government house in Benin City on Tuesday.

Mr Obaseki told the union that “We want to work with you and your members on how to implement this bill so that what is due to you can come to you and what is due to our government can also come to our government.”

He emphasised that his administration “will not and cannot accept any level of illegality in the state because our democracy is based on the rule of law.”

According to the Governor, for proper accountability, an electronic platform would be used as a mode of collecting taxes in the state, pointing out that this method would create an atmosphere where tax would be collected in a civilized and proper manner.

Mr Obaseki, who expressed delight in receiving the members of the union in his office, noted that their presence had cleared certain misconceptions that would have tarnished the name of the association.

According to him, you are responsible and reliable patriots who had kept the engine of the economy running.

Earlier, RTEAN’s Secretary General, Mr Yusuf Adeniyi, who led the delegation to government house, said the body “is a responsible organization”.

He said that his members had contributed to the development of the transport sector in country in, no small measure.

He, however, disassociated itself from whatever illegal activities of Mr Eriyo Osakpanwan, the erstwhile Chairman of the state chapter and apologized to the state government on behalf of the union.

Mr Adeniyi said for proper re-direction of members in Edo state, the National Executives Council (NEC) of the body had dissolved the present State Executive Council (SEC) in the state.

He said that a care-taker committee had been duly constituted to pilot the affairs of the association in the state pending the election of a new set of executives.

“We shall remain loyal and committed in supporting the government of Edo state to achieving its set objectives of developing and ensuring better life for the people and dwellers in the state.

“We are assuring you of total and strict adherence to the rule of law and regulations, maintenance of law and order, and better security, to allow businesses to thrive” he said.