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The leadership of the Benue Internal Revenue Services (BIRS) has denied the existence of a tax racketeering syndicate within their organization. In an open letter to the state governor, a group called Benue Advocate for Good Governance alleged the chairman of the board, Mr. Emmanuel Agema, was spearheading illegal activities. The group claimed that touts were collecting revenue on behalf of the BIRS and that receipts were being reprinted and sold for personal gain. In response, Agema stated the allegations were baseless and aimed at discrediting the hardworking staff of the BIRS. He emphasized the efforts being made to eradicate illegal activities and ensure proper tax collection.
The Leadership of the Benue Internal Revenue Services (BIRS) has addressed the allegations of a tax racketeering syndicate within the organization. They have categorically denied the existence of such illegal activities involving the chairman of the board, Mr. Emmanuel Agema.
According to an open letter written by a group called Benue Advocate for Good Governance (BAGG) to the state governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, there are claims of a tax racketeering syndicate being operated by the acting chairman and selected staff members. The group alleges that these individuals are using their positions to defraud the state.
The open letter, signed jointly by Tersoo Abagi and Inelagwu Adakole, exposes the supposed “unwholesome illegal activities” happening within the BIRS. The group reveals that touts are still collecting revenue on behalf of the BIRS office in collaboration with certain staff members. They also accuse the staff of reprinting and selling receipts for personal gain. These activities are said to be occurring at checkpoints in Zaki Biam, Katsina-ala, Ugba, and Vandeikya.
Acting Chairman of BIRS, Mr. Emmanuel Agema, has responded to these allegations through a statement issued by his Media Assistant Jacintha Benard. Agema denies the claims, describing them as baseless attempts to discredit the hard work of the BIRS staff who face various challenges in revenue collection.
Agema appeals to Governor Rev. Fr. Alia and the people of Benue to disregard the open letter, reassuring them that the team at BIRS is dedicated and committed to their responsibilities. He also mentions the state government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining, logging, and roadblocks, highlighting the ongoing fight against those engaging in criminal activities under the guise of revenue collection.
Since his appointment as chairman, Agema has emphasized his zero-tolerance policy towards illegal checkpoints and the issuance of fake receipts. He is determined to use lawful means to ensure proper tax collection and remittance. Shortly after his appointment, he established a task force comprised of BIRS staff and security personnel to monitor revenue collection and discourage tax evasion.
The task force has already achieved some success, making arrests and dismantling illegal checkpoints in various areas. Agema wants it to be known that despite only being a little over a month in office, he is performing excellently in fulfilling his duties and generating optimal revenue for the development of the state.
