VAT: Benue State studying the law and constitutional implications – Ortom
VAT: Benue State studying the law and constitutional implications – Ortom
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has revealed that the state is currently studying the legal implications of the state-imposed VAT and is ready to embrace the law as long as it conforms with the constitution.
The Governor stated this in an interview with newsmen on Friday, in Makurdi, adding :
“I have asked the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to study the law and let me know its implications.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong in embracing the law as long as it conforms with the constitution, whether it affects states positively or negatively.
“I support the governors of Rivers and Lagos States for what they are doing.
“Anything that is in tandem with the rule of law I will accept, but if anyone thinks otherwise the best thing to do is to go to court.
“I heard they are in court and if the case is decided otherwise by the Supreme Court we will accept it,” he said.
On the PDP’s plans for the 2020 elections, Ortom said APC failed in its promises to Nigerians in 2015.
“I was there but immediately they assumed leadership they did not keep to their promises,” he said.
He added that by October, the PDP will hold its national convention in preparation for the 2023 elections and says he is optimistic that this time, they will get it right.
In Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, signed into law a bill empowering the state government to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) within the state.
This came a day after the Lagos State House of Assembly passed the VAT and open grazing prohibition bills despite the appeal of the Federal High Court Judgment by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
