Sun Sep 15 12:07:38 UTC 2024: ## Enugu Labour Party Candidate Calls for Tax Relief, Citing Economic Burden on Residents

**Enugu State, Nigeria** – The Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Barrister Chijioke Edeoga, has penned an open letter to Governor Peter Mbah, urging a review of the state’s current tax regime. Edeoga argues that the increased levies have placed an unsustainable financial burden on residents and businesses, leading to economic hardship and driving businesses out of the state.

In his letter, Edeoga highlighted several tax increases implemented since Governor Mbah took office, including:

* A significant increase in tenement taxes for bungalows, high-rise buildings, and land registrations.
* New flat rates for trading shops, regardless of size or location.
* Increased daily taxes for buses, tricycles, and barrow pushers.
* A steep rise in business premises taxes, affecting small, medium, and large enterprises.
* A controversial “carbon emission/generator tax” imposed on hotels.

Edeoga argues that these taxes violate the principles of good taxation as outlined by economist Adam Smith, specifically fairness, certainty, convenience, and efficiency. He claims that the tax regime lacks transparency, is overly burdensome, and is not aligned with the economic realities of Enugu residents.

Furthermore, Edeoga alleges that these tax increases are a form of retaliation against the people for not voting for Governor Mbah in the recent elections, comparing the situation to the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, where women protested against taxation without representation.

He appealed to Governor Mbah to reconsider his tax policies, urging him to consider the economic well-being of the people, their ability to pay, and the future economic growth of businesses in the state.

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