Edo govt denies private school tax rumours

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The Edo State Government has debunked claims that it has introduced a tax for private schools in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, while refuting the claim in a statement in Benin City, said, “This falsehood is part of the malicious machinations and diabolical concoctions of the state’s enemies.

“It should be noted that tax is a product of law. There is no such law that the Edo State House of Assembly has passed or an executive bill before the House of Assembly for that purpose.

“The fake report says that all private schools are to pay ₦30,000 to ₦35,000 each for each student as tax assessment. Edo people should know that there is no such tax system for private schools.

“It is part of the ploy to diminish or undermine the lofty achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The Government of the APC in Edo State would not tax poverty but will see it as a duty not to create a permanent underclass in the state. That is the business of any responsible government, as enjoined by Paulo Freire in Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

“Even the tax bill that is currently being discussed at the National Assembly is to ensure that low-income earners don’t pay personal income tax. Governor Monday Okpebholo is humane and will not tax poverty or increase the burden of the poor,” the statement added.