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Kogi Government Demands N100 Million from Opposition Party

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Kogi government, led by Governor Yahaya Bello, has stepped up its clampdown on opposition parties in the state, demanding a staggering N100 million from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in exchange for tax clearance certificates. This move is the latest in a series of attempts by the government to strangle opposition voices in the state, with the governor publicly vowing to ensure his party's victory in the forthcoming elections by any means necessary.

In a letter dated October 26, the Acting Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Sule Salihu Enehe, informed the PDP that it must pay a whopping N100 million to cover tax clearance certificates from 2011. This demand is in addition to the initial N37.5 million that the party was asked to pay before its candidates could participate in the election process. The government has also threatened to prosecute opposition candidates who refuse to comply with these demands.

The Kogi government's actions have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the administration of trying to silence opposition voices in the state. The PDP has been at the forefront of opposition to the APC-led government in the state, and the government's actions are seen as an attempt to silence them.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kogi government is demanding N100 million from the PDP in exchange for tax clearance certificates.
  • The government has threatened to prosecute opposition candidates who refuse to comply with these demands.
  • The PDP was initially asked to pay N37.5 million before its candidates could participate in the election process.
  • The government has shut down the central office of the PDP in the state, citing security concerns.
  • Governor Yahaya Bello has publicly vowed to ensure his party's victory in the forthcoming elections by any means necessary.
  • The government has threatened to use firepower to silence opposition candidates who contest for elections in the state.
  • The Kogi government's actions have been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations.

Statistics:

  • N100 million: The amount demanded by the Kogi government from the PDP in exchange for tax clearance certificates.
  • N37.5 million: The initial amount demanded by the government from the PDP before its candidates could participate in the election process.
  • N10 million: The amount demanded by the government from the PDP presidential candidate.
  • N2 million: The amount demanded by the government from each senatorial candidate.
  • N1 million: The amount demanded by the government from each House of Representatives candidate.
  • N500,000: The amount demanded by the government from those wishing to contest for the state House of Assembly.

Sources:

  • A letter signed by the Acting Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Sule Salihu Enehe, dated October 26.
  • A notification letter personally signed by the Chairman, Okene Local Government Council, Hon. Abdulrazak M. Yusuf, dated October 26, 2022.

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