Cross Riverians Groan Under New Petroleum Tax Regime
…As State Celebrates 50th Anniversary
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – A major crisis is threatening the grand finale of Cross River State’s Golden Jubilee celebrations on May 27, 2017 as tanker drivers and petrol station owners continue their protest over the newly introduced petroleum tax regime by the State government.
Already, the aggrieved drivers and station owners have shut down their operations to protest the N12,850 tax imposed by the state government on every tanker load of petroleum products across the State. The government recently hiked up the amount from N5000.
Cross River State is among the 12 states created as South Eastern State by the General Yakubu Gowon military regime on May 27, 1967. A 15-Member Central Planning Committee, headed by Ntufam Col Pam Ogar (rtd) is handling activities marking the occasion
Forefront gathered that the policy, described by insiders as “ill-timed”, is seriously threatening the commemorative event as commuters and motorists now groan under the weight of fuel scarcity that has hit the State. A litre of petrol sells between N450 and N500 in the black market and this has increased suffering for people, especially civil servants and traders who have resorted to long distance trekking daily.
The Commissioner for Petroleum Resources Hon. Itaya Nyong, who was at the fuel depot in Ekorinim Tank farm to effect the tax payment, refused to answer questions from newsmen on the tax policy implementation. Angered by the Commissioner’s action, the petrol station owners and tanker drivers have vowed to continue their protest until the government reverses what they described as a ‘faulty and unfriendly policy’ in these hard times.
Some civil servants, who spoke with Forefront on the issue in Calabar, said the crisis may jeopardize people’s participation in the activities as it is difficult to cope with the biting cost of transportation across the State. One of them retorted, “How do they expect massive turnouts for this celebration. You cannot force people to trek long distances to events venues.”
Meanwhile, the State government has continued to mobilize Cross Riverians for the celebrations with the Planning Committee, Cross River @ 50, briefing the media on activities marking the Jubilee.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong said every citizen of the state should identify, support, and ensure the event is colourful and successful.
For the Planning Committee Chairman, Col Pam Ogar (rtd), everyone is excited about the Golden Jubilee. He said the State was created in response to the consistent and persistent cries of marginalization by minority groups of the then Eastern Region of Nigeria, adding that issues of contention then included limited opportunities, discriminatory appointments, postings and promotions in political, economic and public service positions among others.
Col Ogar also said with its 18 Local Government Areas structure, the State has recorded tremendous success in agriculture, tourism, and health, amongst others sectors.
Activities for the event kicked off on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, with an Inter-Denominational Service at the State Cultural Centre, followed by an Interactive Session with Traditional Rulers at the Council of Chiefs Chambers; a Football match at U. J Esuene Stadium; and a Cocktail red carpet at Calabar International Conference Center (CICC).
Ogar said slated for Thursday, May 25, 2017, are City walk/clean up exercise at the Millennium Park; planting of 50 commemorative trees at the State Industrial Park; exhibitions of arts/crafts/cultural display at the U. J. Esuene stadium by 2pm; and an interactive session with Elders’ forum at Peregrino Hall, Government House, Calabar.
There would also be the signing of important Bills and public lecture at CICC; Command performance (Cross River State experience) with Callywood Clips; and Cross River State, the way forward at the Cultural Centre by 6pm.
He said activities to round up the celebrations hold on Saturday, May 27, featuring the Governor’s Broadcast (Prerogative of Mercy) at 7am; Children’s Day Celebration at 9am; Women and youth parade; and music splash at the U. J Esuene Stadium at 2pm as well as an Award/Gala night at CICC at 7pm.
Ntufam Ogar however did not disclose the budget for the event amidst speculations that huge sums have been released to the committee to embark on what critics are making a huge joke as ‘another jamboree’ being packaged by the Governor Ben Ayade’s administration.
