Group urges oil companies operating in states to remit taxes due them
Ini Billie, Uyo
A social culture group in Akwa Ibom State, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio has asked oil companies operating in any states of the federation to remit all taxes due them promptly.
The group also urged such companies to promptly intervene in oil spill cases as well as pay the right compensation to the affected communities without forgetting their corporate social responsibilities.
Many oil host communities in the Niger Delta region have tales and stories of woes to tell of the negative effect of oil spills on their lives, livelihood and environment, even as they continue to generate crude oil for the nation.
This appeal was contained in the communique issued by a sociocultural organisation, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State signed by the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet, and the Secretary General, Akparawa (Elder) Bassey Bassey.
The group stated that the prompt tax remittance, quick intervention on oil spill cases, payment of compensation, and well thought out corporate social responsibilities to host communities would enhance a good working relationship with the companies.
“The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio urges all oil Companies and their subsidiaries operating in Akwa Ibom to ensure prompt remittance of all taxes due to the State without delay.
“”That oil Companies, all industrial and other blue chip business establishments operating in the State should regularly carry out reasonable level of Corporate Social Responsibility for the benefit of their host communities to enhance a cordial working relationship with such Communities.
“That oil companies should promptly intervene upon report of oil spillage in their host communities by arresting the spillage and paying appropriate compensation to affected Communities,” the communique stated.
The group further commended the Federal Government for providing solar power lights to 27 communities in Akwa Ibom and requested that more communities be made beneficiaries of the programme.
It applauded the Akwa Ibom State government for its plan to float a state-owned Power Distribution Company, saying such investment will improve power supply to the state.
It explained that the plan would also boost industrialisation and small-scale business drive, create wealth, empower the citizenry and ultimately improve the economy of the state.
“That the Mboho equally commends the Akwa Ibom State government for plans to continually connect more communities in the State to the National grid and for the planned distribution of more transformers to Akwa Ibom Communities;
“The Mboho called on Communities in the State to jealously guide against the vandalisation or theft of Transformers and other power facilities provided in their communities,” they stated.
