Abia State Government Announces Withdrawal Of Tax Lawsuit Against Okpara Varsity

Abia State Government Announces Withdrawal Of Tax Lawsuit Against Okpara Varsity

In response to a Supreme Court ruling, the Abia State government has pledged to withdraw its lawsuit against Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), concerning alleged non-payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to the state…….READ ALSO Price Of ‘Pure Water’ Doubles In Abia State, Residents Turn To Boreholes, Other Public Sources

Two years ago, the state’s Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) initiated legal action against the university over claims of unremitted PAYE tax.

Governor Alex Otti made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the university’s management team. He assured them that he would direct the State Board of Internal Revenue to halt the legal proceedings against the institution.

Otti emphasized the government’s willingness to pursue an out-of-court settlement, aiming for a final resolution beneficial to both parties.

He stated, “There is no way we as a government would take you to court. Since it is something that predates us, we are going to look into it and discontinue it. It doesn’t make sense.”

“I will instruct the Chairman of the BIR to discontinue the suit. There is nothing we cannot sit down and resolve,” Otti added.

Previously, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, the Vice Chancellor of the university, appealed to the governor to intervene in the legal dispute initiated by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue. He also urged expedited action in granting a Certificate of Occupancy to the university.