The Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), has explained that the recent sealing of business premises in Makurdi the state capital, including those belonging to the lawmaker representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Dr. Asema Achado was not politically motivated.

The Service insisted that the sealed business premises defaulted in tax payment and the law took its course.

It will be recalled that two key subsidiaries of Archtik Group, owned by the lawmaker, including City Bay Park, a recreational facility, and Benysta Microfinance Bank, both situated in Makurdi, where December 23, 2024 sealed by a combined team of enforcement officials from the BIRS and the state?s Ministry of Commerce and Industry over alleged tax default.

Dr. Achado, an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain while addressing the media on the matter alleged that it was a politically motivated action since the business places had paid the taxes demanded by the tax bodies.

He said, ?These actions are not only a gross abuse of power but also politically motivated.?

But dispelling the claim, the BIRS acting Executive Chairman, Mr. Sunday Odagba in a statement by the Head, Corperate Communications, Jacob Suswam maintained that the enforcement was carried out in line with the provisions of the law.

Odagba insisted that the defaulting businesses failed to comply with demand notices served them hence the decision to clampdown on them.

The Chairman noted that ?all the affected business organizations were duly served demand notices as required by law which they ignored, hence the enforcement by sealing.

?And the enforcement exercise shall continue in the new year to ensure that all individuals and business organizations doing business in the state register and renew their business premises registration with the State Government to ensure optimal revenue for the state.?

He urged business owners operating in the state to always comply with the tax laws of the state to avoid running afoul of the law. (Vanguard)

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