Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Hon Euphemia Nwali, Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, has denied reports of a clash between thugs in the popular Eke Imoha Market. Eke Imoha is one of the biggest markets in the state and the only market where horses are sold.
Nwali made this known while responding to allegations published by one of the revenue companies that claims to be authorized by the government to collect internally generated revenue in the market.
Nwali explained that no violent incident occurred in the market.
“I have been made aware of an online publication by The Nation News stating that I harassed and obstructed a company, Anointed Supreme Allied Ltd, from collecting revenue at Eke Imoha Market, allegedly authorized by the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Board.
“The report claimed that I used thugs to rob and kidnap workers from the company who were there to collect tolls and that I threatened their lives and the lives of other members of the company.
“The report also mentioned that another company, Zeenok Agro International Ltd, bid for the same revenue point and that it is owned by me.
“Ordinarily, I would have remained silent because the report is false and malicious, but I feel it is necessary to set the record straight due to the confusion it has caused among those who have read it.
“The Revenue Board is responsible for the internally generated revenue in Ebonyi State. Therefore, all matters concerning IGR fall under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Board. However, there is an understanding and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the state and local government.
“There is no way a company can operate in the market without authorization from the board. The board is aware of its agents, and any agent collecting revenue must have an authority letter from the board.
“As Local Government Area Chairman, I do not have the authority to collect IGR. Just because an agent collects IGR does not mean the chairman is doing so. My role as a council chairman is to protect lives and property and to ensure peace in my area and the market.
“You know me well; I do not have thugs and do not hire thugs. If an issue arises, we have security agents available. The Division and the Area Command are there to assist. Why would I hire thugs?
“There was no clash between agents in the market. Had there been any incident, it would have been reported to me as the Chief Security Officer. There have been no reports of such clashes. If I were informed of any problems between revenue agents in the market, I would involve security agents to resolve them. Currently, there are no issues in the market.
“I have not bid for any revenue toll from the Board, and I do not even know the company called Zeenok Agro International Ltd.
“I urge the public to disregard the report, as it appears to have been written to tarnish my reputation. I am committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the benefits of democracy reach the people of Ezza South LGA,”.