Again, Governnor Nyesom Wike implored the Supreme Court of Nigeria to speedily dispense with the case instituted by Rivers State against Federal Governing (FG) seeking transfer from FG to the state, the power to collect and distribute Value Added Taxes generated from the state.
Wike, in his October 1st speech in Port Harcourt as the nation, marks her 62nd Independence Anniversary explained that such urgency and likely ruling on the case in favour of Rivers will further add more financial resources that will accelerate the economic growth of Rivers State.
“We have also not given up in our determination to right the injustice associated with the collection and distribution of Value-Added Taxes generated from the State by the Federal Government just as we again call on the Supreme Court to please, treat this matter with the urgency that it requires”, Wike told Rivers people.
Governor Wike said since 1999 when the country returned to democracy, it has continued to witness deliberate constitutional distortions, institutional weaknesses and widespread corruption that have prevented Nigerians from enjoying a robust democratic practice.
He said, “This is not to say that Nigeria has not made any progress as a nation. Certainly, we have achieved some visible developmental strides and economic progress as Africa’s largest economy. That we have remained together despite recurrent conflicts and the crisis of confidence is also worth celebrating.
“But, after 62 years, Nigeria deserves more than what it has achieved and Nigerians likewise deserve much more than what their leaders have delivered to them with the country’s enormous natural and human resources.”