AIRS EMBARKS ON ENUMERATION OF MARKET TRADERS AND PAYMENT THROUGH MARKET STORM STRATEGY

By Our Reporter

Government of Anambra State through the state Internal Revenue Service, AIRS, has commenced the mega Market traders enumeration and payment.

The operation which is tagged *Market Storm* was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on IGR and Digital Transformation, Mr. Isaac Chimereze Okoro who represented the Chairman of the Service, Mr. Richard Madiebo.

The mega enumeration which started with Onitsha Main Market was conducted by over 100 AIRS staff who had been trained for the operation.

A crucial meeting between the state government revenue officials and the market management executive led by Chief Innocent Ikechukwu Ezeoha, heralded the exercise.

Chief Ezeoha said that the traders are willing to support the state government in achieving it's objectives and promised to ensure that traders in the market comply with the new government tax and revenue reforms.

He further called on the state Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo to extend his kindness to the market which has been ravaged by the current flood, adding that half of the Zone 3 part of the market has been claimed by flood thereby displacing traders in that location.

The SSA to the Governor on IGR and Digital Transformation, Mr Isaac Okorie thanked the traders and the market executive as they moved round the market to observe the exercise.

Speaking to the the traders, he explained the benefit of the exercise to the traders and Ndi Anambra, stressing that the Governor has given a directive about the mode of payment which eliminates paying cash to anyone except in the bank.

While empathising with the traders and market executives after visiting the flood site, he also explained that the state has partnered with many agent banking institutions to realize payment options throughout the state and the market thereby making it seamless and easy for people to make payment for their taxes and levies anyday and at any location.

The Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Eloka Maduekwe was also in attendance and explained the plans of the ministry of Commerce and Industry towards the market, encouraging the traders to pay their taxes and other associated revenue.

Others who attended the storm include Anambra Zonal Tax Authority, Mrs. Franca Ekpechi,

Head, Non-Tax AiRS, Mr. Onyeka Chukwudi, Head, Autonomous Transition, Mrs Ann Nwagwu,  and among others.

The Market Mega Storm  continues this week at the same location.

GOVERNOR SOLUDO IS AN ADVOCATE OF LAW AND ORDER- SOLUDO'S AIDE, ABURIME SAYS

By Anthony Chukwuemeka Eri 

Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime says, the present administration will continue to promote law and order in its dealings.

Mr. Aburime stated this while responding to questions by members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Chapter, during their Congress held in Awka.

"Impunity will not be tolerated because when there is law and order, there can be progress. This is the stand of the Governor."

On questions about the flood crises in some parts of the State, he said that there were early warnings by NEMA about the natural occurrence.

"Mr Governor's position is mainly centered on finding lasting solutions to prevent future occurrence of flooding in the State. Mr Governor visited some of the IDP camps where he assured them of Relief materials which is already being distributed.

Government is taking the issue seriously and working with relevant agencies to provide succour and comfort to displaced persons," said Aburime.

Commenting on street lighting in the State, Mr Aburime hinted that Governor Soludo is exploring the option of making use of solar-powered street lights, to phase out electric powered by diesel-generator which is unfortunately costly as a result of the price of diesel.

"Mr Governor is interested in adopting solar powered lights to cut down costs. His government promotes doing more with less, with maximum results. The amount spent to buy diesel is huge, it's enough to build roads and provide other social infrastructure for the people."

While describing waste management in the state as a herculean task before Governor Soludo took over power, Mr. Aburime noted that the present administration has engaged contractors to solve the problems of refuse disposal.

"They are doing their best. His administration is determined to make the State clean, green and healthy by getting waste management trickled down to the Local Government level."

The Press Secretary revealed that to eliminate revenue leakages with the attendant fraudulent tendencies, Anambra state government came up with digital means of collecting revenue.

"Anambra Joint Enforcement Taskforce, ANJET was set up to ensure that the level of impunity is brought down to the barest level. We need to change our orientation as a people and start doing what is right. That is the only way to enthrone a prosperous and liveable homeland," Aburime concluded.

State Chairman of the Council, Dr. Emeka Odowgu Emeka had earlier recieved the Press Secretary, while soliciting for continued partnership between Governor Soludo's administration and Anambra journalists.