By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, says the law allows him to hire non-state actors as agents.
He made the clarification in Benin City while addressing the role of ATALAKPA Recovery Concept Ltd., led by Mr. Tony Adun, also known as Tony Kabaka.
According to him, ATALAKPA was contracted as a consulting tax enforcer, not a tax collector.
“There is no clash of interest,” Bankole-Balogun said. “The law permits me or any chairman to employ anyone as an agent of the agency.”
He added, “We have a formal contract with him. I didn’t just give him the job verbally.”
The EIRS boss also charged Mr. Adun to be professional and law-abiding in discharging his duties.
“This government will not tolerate anyone or any group disrupting the revenue generation of this state,” he warned.
Bankole-Balogun raised concerns over individuals parading themselves as revenue collectors without legal backing.
“We are aware of people on the roads illegally collecting revenue,” he said. “That must stop.”
He said the law is clear on who can collect revenue for Edo State Government.
“Anyone not authorized by law to collect revenue will have themselves to blame,” he warned.
Bankole-Balogun noted that the appointment of ATALAKPA was approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to him, it is aimed at ensuring peace, progress, and proper revenue collection in the state.
“The enforcer is expected to work within guidelines and support the objectives of the EIRS and the state,” he stated.
“I trust you will not disappoint the people, the governor, and the revenue service,” Bankole-Balogun told Adun.
He assured that the government will empower ATALAKPA to deliver on its mandate.
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