Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu has inaugurated members of the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service Board to oversee the state’s tax regulations and revenue collection.
This was posted on the Facebook page of Government House Calabar Press.
According to the post, while inaugurating the ten-member board made up of four substantive members and a Secretary as well as five statutory members from relevant ministries, Governor Otu commended the board chairman, Mr. Edwin Okon, for his efforts in improving the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) in the last one year, albeit still serving in acting capacity.
He expressed his full support for the newly inaugurated team, saying, “My confidence is with the board because I am already proud of their activities and trajectory.
“This inauguration is an endorsement of our collective effort to look inward for resources to cater to our ever-increasing needs as a state. It is noteworthy that the current chairman of the board has significantly rejuvenated our revenue base, as reflected in recent statistics. This achievement is due to innovations introduced by all revenue-generating agencies to curb excesses and eliminate wastage in revenue generation.
“The goal is to include every eligible adult and corporate entity in the tax system. The reward for hard work is more work, and this inauguration challenges you all to surpass the revenue target.”
The Governor further emphasized that the revenue body would be given new targets to expand the state’s revenue streams.“I expect the team members to bring practicable ideas and initiatives to achieve this,” he added.
“We will introduce new interventions that will strengthen our current systems. All we want to see is results, nothing less. This is the only way to justify the immense confidence we have in you. Please ensure you perform above expectations.”
In response, the Chairman of Cross River Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Edwin Okon, acknowledged the opportunity given by the Governor as a call to greater responsibility. He noted that the team had identified key personalities in the state, including some top political office holders who are not paying their taxes.
“Indeed, this is a call to do more. I believe in my team, and we will move the state forward with our skills. I want to thank Governor for his trust and continued support. We have identified a several individuals who are not paying taxes, and with the Governor’s ongoing support, we will put the right measures in place. The state is ours,” he concluded.
Other members of the Board are, Elder Dr. Ndola Odey, Mr. Francis Higgins, Mr. NTA Ekpiken Esq. and Mr. Emmanuel Esirah who serves as the Secretary.
Relevant ministries that have their Commissioners as statutory members of the board are the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Agriculture, Lands and Local Government Affairs
