Oshiomhole signs Edo Law on Land Use Charge

He said Lagos state is an example of a state that has succeeded, adding that, “property tax is a reality and the law is not targeted at everybody. Though everybody needs to use the land but some people use more land than others.

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole yesterday signed into law a bill passed by the State House of Assembly to consolidate all land rates into a single charge with a promise that the law will not affect ninety five percent of the people.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Law of Land Use Charge, at the Government House, the governor said it will not apply to rural people across the state and people who occupy family houses.
“Even though the rural people are exempted but those who are rich occupying in excess of one hundred by one hundred land will pay the tax,” he noted.
According to him, the idea is to encourage those who use much land to pay something to the government to assist in the provision of amenities, such as schools, health facilities and to find resources to support tertiary institutions, water as well as carry development to the villages and hamlet.
While assuring that this is a pro-development law, Comrade Oshiomhole maintained that the government is determined to tax the rich and the very rich to enable government provide for the poorest of the poor.
“Every rich man should know that it is in their interest that the poor are catered for. The task at hand is not only to consolidate on the gains recorded in our first tenure but to take Edo State to the next level. We cannot rely entirely on the revenue from Abuja, we have to look inward,” the governor added.
He said Lagos state is an example of a state that has succeeded, adding that, “property tax is a reality and the law is not targeted at everybody. Though everybody needs to use the land but some people use more land than others.
“We are not apologetic about taxing the rich and I appreciate the support from the people and I will not abuse that trust. I am committed to giving my all to enforce the rule of law and to ensure that nobody is above the law. I am committed to fairness because the government must protect the weak,” he added.
In his words, “we will not victimize anyone, but we will be strict in our tax laws and anyone who refuses to pay tax will know it is a criminal offence and they will be sent to prison. At the end of the day, Edo people will see that the law was and is in their best interest.” Meanwhile, Governor Oshiomhole, also yesterday, held a memorial in honour his wife, Mrs. Clara Oshiomhole, who died two years ago.
In a sermon, Rev Father Paul Enow, the priest of the St. Pauls Catholic Church, Benin City, where the mass was held called on Nigerians to persist in prayers for the nation to stem the tide of insecurity.
Rev Father Enow  said “Let us pray for security consistently. We have to go on our knees and pray ceaselessly for God to save our nation from insecurity,” he noted.
The Cleric maintained that “we need to pray to God to show us the step to take to stem the tide of insecurity in Our nation.”
TheEagleOnline