Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga, has called on Governor Peter Mbah to reassess the state’s tax regime, citing its overwhelming burden on residents and businesses.
In an open letter, Edeoga highlighted the alleged multiple taxations under the Mbah administration, urging the governor to “have mercy on the people of the state” by reducing the excessive levies.
The letter, titled “Heavy and Multiple Taxes: Have Mercy on the People of Enugu State: An Open Letter to the Governor of Enugu State,” outlined various tax increases, including:
– Tenement tax for bungalows in Enugu metropolis from N30,000 to N150,000 per annum
– Tenement tax for high-rise buildings in high-density areas from N50,000 to N300,000
– Land instrument/title registration from N70,000 to N300,000
– Private school tax from N30,000 to N200,000 per annum
Edeoga argued that such an excessive tax regime has led to “frustration-induced high blood pressure and the flight of businesses away from the state.”
He referenced Adam Smith’s tax principles, emphasizing fairness, certainty, convenience, and efficiency.
Edeoga alleged that Governor Mbah’s tax regime resembles the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot trigger, taxation without representation.
“Enugu people had hoped for a breath of fresh air… but they were betrayed… And rather than have mercy on the people, you have confronted them with the horsewhips of vengeance,” Edeoga said.
He appealed to Governor Mbah to reconsider his approach, considering the economic realities of the people and businesses.
“As it stands today, the people of Enugu State are being taxed without their input and with no regard to their capacity. Their cries bring to mind the agony of taxation without representation.”