Delta govt, union appeal court judgment on tax

By Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI—Delta State Chapter of Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, yesterday, appealed to the public to be calm, as the state government had appealed the judgment restraining it from further collecting Passenger’s Welfare levies from commuters and motorcycle and tricycle taxes from motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state.

It will be recalled that Justice C.E. Achielfu of a Delta State High Court sitting in Otor-Udu, had in its judgment in the suit against the Delta State Government and two others, made the orders.

The state government appealed the said judgment.

Delta State Treasurer of COMTOA, Mr. Okeoghene Miller, who briefed newsmen, yesterday, urged the people to remain calm.

Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, who got judgment against the state government, confirmed the appeal and application for stay of execution on the judgment.

He stated that the decision to go to court was not against the government but to complement the prosperity for all agenda of the state.

“Our decision to go to court was to make the government accountable. Such payments should be lodged with the revenue board and not individual contractors.

“We cannot fight the state government. We are only doing what is right by ensuring that Deltans are not oppressed,” Ikimi added.

Reacting to the court judgment on behalf of its members, Miller stated that the processes had been duly served on the claimant in the said appeal pending before the appellate court.

Acknowledging the powers of the court to make orders against persons or organisations, Miller said that the feelings of all concerned in the matter should have been heard on the issues affecting them.

Miller who was flanked by Evang. Paul Onyemu, Omughele Lucky, and Ikpera Abruda, Warri South Chairman, Treasurer and Adviser of the Association respectively also noted that they’ve been enlightened by their lawyers to maintain the status quo, especially with its affairs.

He also urged members of the COMTOA to be calm, law abiding and go about their lawful businesses as peace loving people.

Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan, said that the judgment was a slight to Delta Sate Government.

The commissioner,  who was represented by his Special Assistant, Mr.  Emiko Oghomienor confirmed that the state government has challenged  the judgment in an appeal instituted.

 

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