Enugu State inaugurates revenue court
Justice Ngozi Emehelu, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, on Wednesday inaugurated a revenue court, built and donated to the state judiciary by the State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Emehelu said that the inauguration signalled an end to the use of force or jungle justice in revenue administration in the state.
The chief judge said that tax authorities and citizens had been afforded the opportunity to freely approach the revenue court to seek redress.
“The era of rule of force, jungle justice or forceful seizure of property of the citizen is over. So, we thumb up the board for this desirable option of a revenue court.
“The court shall have duty exclusively to hear and determine tax and revenue cases, involving the board in the state,” she said.
“There may be a reason for neglect or refusal by a citizen to pay taxes such as over assessment or double taxation. Whatever be the case, let the tax authorities and citizens feel free to approach this court to seek redress,” Emehelu said.
The Chairman of the BIR, Mr Emeka Odoh, said that the establishment of the court was part of efforts to ensure tax payment by all taxable adults in the state.
“Institutions and individuals who deprive government of its legitimate tax resources will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land,” Odoh said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presiding officers of the revenue court are Justice Ken Okpe, and two magistrates, Mr Joseph Agu and Mrs Angela Chioke.
