By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Benue State, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has commended the Igbo community for their contributions to the economic growth and development of Benue and the country in general.
Aondokaa who was speaking at Igbo day celebration on Sunday in Gboko, described the Igbo community as valued residents and important stakeholders in the socio-economic development of the state.
Acknowledging their contributions to commerce, trade, employment creation, and the growth of businesses across Gboko and other parts of Benue, the former Attorney-General of the Federation expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by members of the business community.
“Excessive, multiple, and burdensome taxes imposed on businesses by the present administration in the state has been the cause the collapse of businesses. Taxation should not become a tool for strangulating businesses or discouraging investment.
While government has a legitimate responsibility to generate revenue through taxation, such taxes must be reasonable, transparent, predictable, and structured in a manner that allows businesses to survive and grow”.
The PDP governorship candidate particularly expressed concern about the effect of multiple taxes and levies on traders, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stressing that excessive taxation ultimately increases the cost of doing business, forces some businesses to shut down, and discourages prospective investors from coming into the state.
He assured the Igbo community and the wider business community in Benue State that if given the opportunity to serve as governor in 2027, his administration would undertake comprehensive tax reforms aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment.
In another development, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has pledged to restore the Tor Jemgbagh, His Royal Highness Chief David Afatyo Ajoko to his official palace in Gboko within 24 hours of his inauguration, if elected Governor of Benue State in 2027.
Chief Aondoakaa made the pledge while addressing supporters during a brief stopover in Gboko East. He recalled that the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, reconstructed a major state government facility in Gboko and designated it as the official palace of the Tor Jemgbagh.
