Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau on Thursday urged citizens of the state to pay their taxes regularly, as he also does

Mr Lalong made the call at the inauguration of the high powered revenue drive hosted by the State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) tagged: ‘Operation Explosive Revenue Drive’

The event took place at the premises of the PSIRS Corporate Headquarters in Jos.

He said the objective of the operation was to develop a tax culture that would make tax payment easy for all, adding that he was leading by example by paying his tax on the day of the event.

“I am paying the ground rent on Land Use Charge on my property; by this, I am asking the citizens to do as I do.

“I am not only the Governor, but also Chairman of the Plateau State Revenue Council as stipulated by law.

“Like the saying goes, ‘leaders lead from the front’,” he said.

The governor said no one was exempted from tax payment since he, as the number one citizen, had demonstrated such responsibility, adding that defaulters would be made to face the law.

“Having personally demonstrated this level of civic responsibility as the number one citizen of the state, it means that there is nobody that will default.

“All of us are subject to the law and those who run against the law will bear the consequences.

“I,therefore, expect all citizens, particularly political leaders, to line up behind me and do the same. The time to show leadership has come.

“I want to reiterate that all Heads of Ministries,Departments, Agencies (MDA’s) and Local Government officials who fail to deliver their monthly contributions to the revenue pool, will be held accountable.

“This is the time to reward hard work and punish indolence, non-performance and laziness.

“It is the revenue we generate that will enable us to complete some of the projects that are ongoing and also initiate new ones.

“We remain determined to deliver on our campaign promises to the people,” he said.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of PSIRS, Dashe Arlat, commended the governor for his presence at the event, saying it demonstrated responsibility.

“Your coming personally to participate In the 2021 High Powered Explosive Revenue Drive 2021 and visiting some businesses premises is a clear indication that you are indeed a revenue driver who has the people of Plateau at heart,” Mr Arlat said

He urged citizens of the state to be law abiding by registering their businesses and remitting their taxes to the state’s coffers.

In a vote of thanks, Sarah Afan, PSIRS Board member, thanked the governor for demonstrating leadership by example.

The state’s ‘Operation Explosive Revenue Drive’ includes taxpayer sensitisation, awareness creation, on-the-spot inspection of registration licenses and permits.

(NAN)