The Osun State Government has said suspension of market levies/rates across all the local governments in the state was to further accommodate peace.
The action which was pronounced by the state Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke few weeks ago to forestall any kind of unrest in the state.
This was made known by the acting Chairman Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS), Hon. Solanke Hamzat while featuring on a-30min radio live program titled, “Ojuse Omoluabi” in Osogbo.
The acting Chairman who was represented on the program by the Assistant Director Informal Sector, Mrs Bilikisu Lawal spoke extensively on the reason for the suspension, revealed that misrepresentation of revenue officers recently at all markets in the state prompt the state government to organize a significant sensitization meeting which was attended by market stakeholders such as Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders, and artisans, aimed to address the pressing issue of illegal tax collection by unauthorized individuals.
Hon. Hamzat outlined the illegality of unauthorized tax collection by these individuals and urged stakeholders to continue with their daily activities, calling on them to resist revenue collection demands by informing any security agencies nearest to them to be on the side of the law.
While on the half an hour program, the revenue expert reiterates the pronouncement by encouraging continual peace, support and discouraging attempts to undermine the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke in any form.
The OIRS boss, Hon. Solanke Hamzat, in his reaction to the duration of the levies suspension, clarified that “the action is for temporary time until the coast is clear to lift it for the safety of all Osun people”.
He then called on market traders to avoid any form of altercations, duel with such people, saying “this directive is part of the Governor’s efforts and commitment to ensure lawfulness, transparency, and collaboration at the grassroots level as it aims to enhance economic stability and prosperity in Osun State”.