Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has vowed to investigate and punish those behind the imposition of bread tax in the state, describing the development as evil.
“The particular incident of bread tax is being looked into as I speak, we are investigating those that are behind this,” the governor, 45, said while briefing the press after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.
“It is evil and it is unaccepted, to say the least. I have ordered the Head of Service to issue queries to those that are responsible and they will face the law accordingly.”
Recall that news reports emanated last week that the Kogi State government through a Consultant had introduced new levies on loafs of bread.
The Consultant, Musag Enterprises had written to members of Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, AMBCN, intimating them of the new tax.
The bakers kicked on the matter and it generated public outrage. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communication issued a statement confirming the development. But he said the tax was introduced to protect indiginous bakers against the activities it outsiders.
However, Edward Onoja, the State Deputy Governor in another statement denied government’s approval of the scheme. He described it as wicked and embarrassing noting that those involved would be punished.
“For the records, neither the Governor nor the state executive council has imagined or proposed such a devilish tax regime, how much less imposing same on any food or essential commodity, not to mention bread which is a table staple and the basic lifeline of many a household,” the statement read.
