BUREAU OF L0CAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS TO PAY BIRS OVER # 3BN AND # 400M FOR 2012-2014 AND 2015, RESPECTIVELY

BUREAU OF L0CAL GOVERNMENT AND CHIEFTAINCY AFFAIRS TO PAY BIRS OVER
# 3BN AND # 400M FOR 2012-2014 AND 2015, RESPECTIVELY.
The Executive Chairman, Benue state Internal Revenue Service, Mrs. Mimi Adzape-Orubibi, disclosed that the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, is indebted to her organization to the sum of #3,090,507,664.12; base on the audit exercise that was conducted and reconciled, for the period between 2012-2014. She also served a demand notice for PAYE deductions of #427,928,457.24, for July-September,2015.
Mrs. Orubibi who said refusal to remit in full, the said amount or other taxes, levies,rates, charges or other revenue due to the state is an offence punishable under section 51, paragraphs (a) and (b) of the state Internal Revenue Administration Law, as amended 2015 and Sections 76, 77 and 78 of Personal Income Tax (Amended) Act 2011; called on the Bureau to do the needful in the spirit of change, so as to avoid the wrath of the Law.
She went ahead to commend the Bureau for the transparent and accountable modus operandi, adopted in piloting her affairs, as made manifest in the implementation of the E-payment system, through the instrumentality of the special Advisor, Hon. Titus Zam. The Executive Chairman said, BIRS is set to copy this transparent move through the introduction of P0S Machines for all ta× payments, which will be launched soon.
She also suggested that a seminar/workshop be organized for BIRS and council chairmen/

members, so as to place a sharp distinction between taxes/levies to be collected by the state (BIRS) and Local Government Councils, to avoid multiple taxation.
Responding to this, the special Advisor to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Titus Zam, used the opportunity to congratulate the Executive Chairman on her appointment, which he described as "well deserved"; given the brilliant way she spoke and the intelligence displayed in the handling of affairs at the board. He promised to do all within his powers to ensure that she succeeds in the task before her.
According to Hon. Zam, though, nothing about the over 3 billion naira was reflected in the handover note given to him, he is going to search deep, to make sure the whereabout of the money is ascertained and remittance made subsequently.
He therefore, called on the Executive Chairman, her management team and members of staff, to work hard for the attainment of the #1.5bn target set by the government, to enable Governor Samuel Ortom fulfill his campaign promises to the people.

Terna Francis
Media Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Benue State Internal Revenue Service