By Jude Atupulazi
Frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has expressed dismay with the effect of what he termed the High Regime of Taxation imposed on the people of Anambra State by the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
Speaking to newsmen in his country home in Umuleri, November 23, Chukwuma said the people of the state did not feel any positive impact from what he described as the Choking Regime of Taxes by the state government.
‘I’m not opposed to taxation but my worry is that the amount of money taxed the people does not reflect on our IGR profile. When you tax the people and there’s commensurate development, people are happy; but when you do and have nothing to show, that becomes a triple jeopardy,’ he submitted.
Chukwuma also said that safety should first be guaranteed for people to come and live and do business in the state, noting that personal income taxes were paid on basis of where people live. He regretted that revenue was being lost because of insecurity in Anambra State.
The former Catholic seminarian said his government would create a proper environment and work with the private sector to create more jobs but regretted that the current security situation in the state was stopping that.
‘The issue is about the political will and understanding what needs to be done,’ he pointed out.
On the insecurity ravaging Anambra State, Chukwuma vowed to tackle it with a fresh strategy.
He described the current security situation as a joke and emphasized the need for a practical approach.
He said, ‘We will fight insecurity with food and employment, as well as good salary,’ Chukwuma said, highlighting his commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
He also described the current minimum wage in the state as insufficient, saying it was not enough to sustain life.
Chukwuma however ruled out reviving the dreaded Bakassi Boys, an unconventional security outfit once introduced in the state by a previous governor, choosing rather to focus on a government based on the rule of law.
He emphasized the importance of community policing, stating that the Issue of security was not rocket science and not one to be solved by fancy talk.
He further noted that grassroots government was neglected,” implying that the current administration has overlooked the importance of local governance in addressing security issues.
Confident in his abilities, Chukwuma declared that he possesses the mental capacity to effectively govern Anambra State.