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Foundation Tells Edo Residents To Reject Obaseki’s Punitive Land Use Charge

ONE Love Foundation has urged residents of Edo State to reject the Land Use Charge being re-introduced by the State Government for alleged failure to fulfill its social contract with the electorate.

The foundation decried lack of welfare, basic amenities including drinking water, roads affordable healthcare, and others as reasons why the exercise would be resisted by Edo people.

But the Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Arch. Francis Evbuomwan, had said the State Government would be channeling funds raised from Land Use Charge to drive development in areas where the charge is paid.

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Addressing newsmen on the development, the President of the Foundation, Patrick Eholor, threatened to sue the State governor, Mr. Godwin in court if he goes ahead with the implementation of the laws, describing it as a “draconian. law”.

“The land use is charge been reintroduced by the State Government is very annoying. We are going to challenge that in court. Not paying tax is criminal.

“But, not getting divided of your taxation is also criminal. So, the Government should not come to my house and impose a tax on me when my road has not been built, when I do not have drinking water, free medical care let alone security.

“Almost on a daily basis, people are being kidnapped. We cannot sleep with our two eyes closed. Fulani herdsmen are terrorising us everywhere. There is banditry, armed robbery, and kidnappings. Why does Government exist? It is enshrined in Chapter two of Nigeria 1999 Constitution (b) says that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”… Is there anyone I have mentioned that has been provided anywhere in Nigeria?

“So, coming with draconian taxes will not work for some of us because before you tax me, you (Government) must show me what you have done for me…They did not build my road because they said that I am an enemy of the Government.

“Omogiate Street is linked to my house, they did not build the road to my house. They didn’t build any road that leads to my house in Benin. That is preposterous and then you have the guts to demand tax from me?

“Nigeria is not a banana Republic where people’s rights are violated and if you come and want to oppress me, I will get the best lawyers and take you to court.

“I urge people who are not satisfied with what the Government is doing not to also comply with the land use charge. But if the Government is transparent in spending our money, they should comply with the Government directive.

“Ultimately, I think the land use charge is an issue that we can argue in court”, he said.

Our Correspondent reports that the previous administration in Edo State had back down on the implementation of the Land Use Charge, following the outrage that greeted the move.

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