Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria and notable figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced his concerns regarding the governor’s taxation plans.
Okechukwu, a native of the state, issued a statement on Sunday highlighting the current economic challenges faced by the citizens.
He highlights the inhumanity of imposing further financial burdens on the populace through excessive taxation.
Okechukwu, Ex-Director VON pointed out that the residents of Enugu State, alongside many Nigerians, are already grappling with the soaring costs of essentials such as food, transportation, and healthcare.
With a critical eye on the governor’s ambitious N1/2 trillion budget for the 2024 fiscal year, Okechukwu expressed alarm at the prospect of extracting N1/4 trillion from an already impoverished community.
Over 40% of the state’s population falls under the multidimensional poverty category, raising questions about the feasibility of such a revenue target.
Addressing the media at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Okechukwu delved into the state’s budget appropriation, which Governor Mbah has dubbed the “Budget of disruptive economic growth.”
While acknowledging the widespread practice of internal revenue generation across the federation, he highlighted the unique poverty challenges in Enugu State and the potential pitfalls of over-taxation.
Okechukwu’s advice to the governor includes prudent reliance on the Federation Account Allocation Committee’s (FAAC) monthly revenue, fostering a transparent relationship with the Federal Government to tap into national projects, and seeking private sector collaboration for a 1,000-megawatt, environmentally compliant coal-fired power plant to boost investment and economic growth.
In response to concerns about the environmental impact of such a power plant, Okechukwu referenced Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) technology as a solution for mitigating climate change effects.
He also criticized the double standards of developed nations, citing their substantial number of operational coal-fired power plants. Ex-Director