There is a huge degree of uncertainty regarding the Edo State government unannounced decision, dumping its e-payment platforms use in collecting revenue from commercial vehicles across various routes.
The government, has reportedly reverted to undocumented manual method of collecting government revenue for the first time in its history of switching from analogue into digital platforms, outstripping its transparency index.
But the government is yet-to-give any reason for allegedly setting aside the use of Point of Sale (PoS) platforms, ahead of November 12th 2024 marking the exit of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s in office.
A visit to the Benin Central Motor Park in Obakhavbaye street, Oredo Local Government Area of the State, indicate that commercial vehicle drivers pay N1,600 cash to Local Government revenue staff directly unlike in the past when government monies are paid directly to government approved Banks Accounts.
A bus driver who simply identified himself as Osabuohien nailed the truth to the cross, station that, “nothing has really change”.
According to him, “The revenue agents are still doing their jobs. When you pay money, N1,600 daily tax to the government, you are covered.
“But, they no longer have to use the PoS. the procedure is what has slightly change. Drivers cannot afford to default”, he alleged.
A bus driver shuttling the King Square and Ugbowo axie in Benin stated that no announcement has been received from the government regarding any changes in mode of revenue payments.
TheNewspad investigation revealed that the subterranean policy, seems to have been aided by a liege placed on some State government Accounts by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial malfeasance.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, had confirmed the arrest of the State’s Accountant General, Mr. Julius O. Anelu, alongside Martina Osasu-Uwoghiren, Adaghe Anthony and Okhomina Godwin.
The quartet has being in EFCC custody since last week Thursday having fail to honour two separate letters of invitations sent by the agency prior to their arrest and detention, according to a EFCC letter signed by Director of Investigation, Aisha Abubakar on behalf of Director, Investigation, EFCC, Abuja sighted by thenewspad.com
The letter, addressed to the Secretary to Edo State Government reads, “we refer to our earlier letters with Reference CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/EG/T6/VOL.4/079 and CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/EG-1/TA/ED/VOL. 3/430 dated 17th September, 2022 and 29th September, 2023 respectively, which were not honoured.
“In view of the above, you are kindly requested to come along with Julius O. Onelu, Martina Osasu-Uwoghiren, Adaghe Anthony and Okhomina Godwin to attend”, according to the letter signed by Director of Investigation, Aisha Abubakar on behalf of Director, Investigation, EFCC, Abuja and received on 29th October 2024.
Governor Obaseki who seems to be unperturbed by the arrest of the Accountant General and other signatories to the State government accounts, said late Wednesday that he is prepared to honour invitation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) if he is invited to give account of his stewardship in office.
Obaseki who spoke in Abuja during the the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event highlighting his administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector, also said he has noting that he has nothing to hide.
Obaseki also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government of been vindictive over “unnecessary and silly petitions” instead of focusing on how to fix the nation’s economy and improve the well-being of Nigerians.
He said, “I’m not afraid of the EFCC. Why should I be? What is important is focus. I came into office and ignored the noise, concentrating on what I felt was important, and today you can see the results.
“If the EFCC calls on me, I will hand myself over; I have nothing to hide” he Obaseki said.
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