At least 25 banks and hotels in the state capital, Awka, have been sealed off by the State government over their failure to pay state taxes and levies. The Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, (AIRS) was responsible for sealing off these facilities.
Reports suggest that the levies owed were mainly from sanitation, business environments, and sundry government taxes.
Mr. James-Morgan Ezeodili, Head of the team and desk officer of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) in Anambra State Internal Revenue Service revealed that the enforcement was made in compliance with a court order on August 11, 2022, to seal off the businesses.
“This is because of their refusal or failure to appear in court, after being served with a writ of summons, as they refused to pay stipulated levies to the state government.
The exercise was part of the state government’s resolve to boost its revenue, and to ensure that the environment was clean by removal of wastes across the roads and streets in the state,” James-Morgan added.
The facilities sealed included the Nigeria Police Force, Mumbai Festus Hotel, Shalom Hotel, Microfinance banks, and Finotel Classic Hotel all in Awka.
The governor, Charles Soludo has also banned the movement of cattle on foot throughout the state.
During the weekend, the governor who gathered with members of Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee compliance at Government House, Awka, stated that the ban was in compliance with the 2021 Anti-open grazing law of the state, adding that enforcement would kick off from September.
“Now that we have a law banning open grazing, the law enforcement agents have been directed to implement it.
“Though the law has been in existence since almost one year ago, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in the state in contravention to the law,” Soludo said.
Soludo further commended the members of the Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee for their commitment to duty, saying that the Anambra people have been lenient with herdsmen, but the herdsmen must obey extant laws in the operation of their businesses.
