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I’ll Seal FIRS Offices If They Continue to ‘Bully’ Rivers over VAT Collection – Wike Warns

Published

5 years ago

September 8, 2021

Eric

The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has threatened to seal off Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices if they continue to “bully” organisations within the state over value-added tax (VAT) payment.

Wike made this known during an interactive session with corporate organisations in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

In August, the court had issued an order restraining FIRS from collecting VAT in Rivers and directed the state government to take charge of the collection.

After the judgment, Wike signed a bill on value-added tax (VAT) collection into law.

On Monday, the court also dismissed an application by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) seeking to stay of execution on the VAT controversy.

Despite this, FIRS asked taxpayers to continue to honour their tax obligations under the VAT Act until the court of appeal or supreme court gives a final verdict on the matter.

The governor had said the judgment of the federal high court had sufficiently addressed the illegality perpetrated by the FIRS.

“An agency of government cannot dictate to a state government. If they will ever dictate but not to a state like Rivers because certainly, we will not allow it, Wike said.

“People say that ‘let heaven not fall’, sometimes I believe that it is important that heaven should come down so everybody will rest.

“We have challenged it (VAT collection in court), and we have no apologies to anybody. And the problem in this country is that no one wants to come out.

“And all these bullyings by FIRS…they should mind the state they are bullying, they should be very careful. You don’t bully states like us.

“I have the political will to do a lot of things. I am not one of those governors that will shy away from this or that. If they continue to bully us… all their offices in the state, I will take them. You should know those that you bully, not states like us… don’t try it.

“I will not be a party to injustice, but let history be that some of us stood up and challenged the illegality. Until we leave May 29, 2023, I will continue to challenge what I think is not right.”

The governor also said that shares allocated to states from VAT collection are inequitable and unjust.

TheCable

Featured

2027: ADC’ll Lose Presidential Poll If Obi is Not Fielded, Fayose Warns

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will lose the 2027 elections if a former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is not on the party’s ticket.

Fayose made the remark while also assessing the performance of President Bola Tinubu in office.

He spoke on Sunday at the PDP’s national convention holding in Abuja.

“I’m happy with what Asiwaju is doing. You don’t have to have 100 percent of any issue before you are said to be doing well; but when you relate our past with our present, he is not doing well,” the former governor said.

On the opposition, Fayose suggested that the ADC’s chances depend heavily on Obi’s participation.

“I told you that if Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC. It looks like now that Obi will not; Atiku will get the ticket,” he stated.

He also cast doubt on Obi’s political path ahead of the election.

“It’s impossible for him to go back to the Labour Party. Obi is a good guy; he’s a fantastic guy, but to become the president at this time is difficult,” Fayose added.

Featured

Wike-led PDP Faction Holds Convention, Reelects Abdulrahman, Anyanwu

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has re-elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as national chairman and secretary, respectively.

The duo secured their positions by consensus on Sunday during the faction’s elective national convention held at the Velodrome of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The affirmed officers include Aaron Chukwuemeka (Deputy National Chairman, South), Yusufu Nya Akirikwen (SAN) (Deputy National Chairman, North), Kolawale Olabisi (Deputy National Secretary), Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran (National Treasurer), and Lado Dan Marke (Deputy National Treasurer), among others.

Also listed are Eyim Donatus Henry, Dr Grema Kyari, Umar Mohammed Bature, Efere Augustine, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, Egwu Goodluck Chidiebere, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu U. Uba, Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus, Dr Adaba Yatu, Ibrahim Bala Aboki, and Momoh Dejih Eugene Bashir, while Professor Ogunshe Adedayo and Hauwa Ahmed Shinge serve as National Women Leader and Deputy National Women Leader, respectively.

Featured

Tinubu Celebrates ‘Low-Key’ 74th Birthday Amid Economic, Security Challenges

Published

2 days ago

March 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his 74th birthday in a low key in line with his tradition of marking the day based on the mood of the country.

In a special birthday message issued on Sunday morning to mark his birthday, the President emphasised that “consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.”

Tinubu, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity given him to serve the nation thanked Nigerians for their show of love and prayers on his birthday.

The President assured that his administration will build a brighter future for Nigerians and generations yet unborn.

He also vowed to overcome challenges facing the nation with continued support of the Nigerian people.

The 11-paragraph special birthday message stated as follows:

“My dear fellow Nigerians,

“Today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation. I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday. I thank all our citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.

“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.

“I must thank my wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima for all he said about me.

“Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

“The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, or our government. We achieved the gains together.

“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations.

“We are determined to confront some of the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome.

“Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.

“Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me!”