The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Benue State, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, Sunday joined the Igbo community in Gboko to celebrate Igbo Day, commending Igbos for their contributions to the economic growth and development of Benue State and the country in general.
Speaking at the celebration, Aondoakaa described the Igbo community as valued residents and important stakeholders in the socio-economic development of the state. He acknowledged their contributions to commerce, trade, employment creation, and the growth of businesses across Gboko and other parts of Benue.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation however, expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by members of the business community as a result of what he described as excessive, multiple, and burdensome taxes imposed on businesses by the present administration in the state.
Chief Aondoakaa noted that taxation should not become a tool for strangulating businesses or discouraging investment. According to him, while government has a legitimate responsibility to generate revenue through taxation, such taxes must be reasonable, transparent, predictable, and structured in a manner that allows businesses to survive and grow.
He particularly expressed concern about the effect of multiple taxes and levies on traders, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stressing that excessive taxation ultimately increases the cost of doing business, forces some businesses to shut down, and discourages prospective investors from coming into the state.
He assured the Igbo community and the wider business community in Benue State that if given the opportunity to serve as governor in 2027, his administration would undertake comprehensive tax reforms aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment.
Chief Aondoakaa said his government would review the existing tax and levy structure, eliminate unnecessary duplication, improve transparency in revenue collection, and ensure that taxation is based on the principles of fairness and the capacity of businesses to pay.
He further promised to establish a system in which government revenue agencies would work with business owners rather than subjecting them to harassment and multiple demands. He emphasized that the objective of taxation should be to expand the state’s economic base, encourage investment, and create jobs, rather than drive businesses out of operation.
According to him, a thriving private sector would ultimately generate more sustainable revenue for government than a system that places excessive burdens on a shrinking number of businesses.
He therefore called on the Igbo community and other residents of Benue to remain committed to the development of the state, assuring them that his administration would create an enabling environment where businesses can flourish and investors can operate with confidence.
Chief Aondoakaa congratulated the Ndi Igbo on the occasion of their day and reiterated his commitment to building an inclusive Benue where every resident, irrespective of ethnic background or place of origin, can live, work, and prosper without unnecessary barriers.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume was represented at the event by Chief Akange Audu.
