IPMAN inaugurates PEDAN Exco In Anambra, Decries Multiple Taxation
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to improve the Ease of Doing Businesses in Anambra by addressing the menace of multiple taxation.
Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot Community made the call while inaugurating the new leadership of Petroleum Dealers Association of Nigeria (PEDAN), Anambra Branch in Awka on Thursday.
The election produced Mr Chibuike Izukanne as Chairman, Mr Ozomadu Michael, Vice Chairman; Augustine Ejimofor, Secretary and Chisom Ezeh as Assistant Secretary.
Other elected officers were Bobby Obimma, treasurer; Ugochukwu Nwakpadolu, financial secretary; Ifeanyi Ezeudu, Public Relations Officer, Ambrose-Mary Enemuo, Welfare;
Osita Fabian, Provost I, and Mbonu Nchekwube, Provost 2.
Izukanne succeeded Chief Cletus Obiokafor who finished two terms of four years.
Anyaso who is in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states said the multiple and multi-layer taxes and levies were threatening the sustainability of their operations in the state.
He said instead of the consolidated levy that existed, more levies including business premises, land use and Local Government Council charges had been introduced thereby putting heavy burden on members.
Anyaso congratulated the new leadership of the association and urged them to be law abiding but ensure the interest of members are protected.
“I want to congratulate the new leadership, your chairman is a square peg in a square hole, support him and his team because he has been in the been in the struggle
“As marketers, let us continue to operate within the law but we will not accept intimidation and exploration, making sure the welfare of members is prioritised.
“We used to have harmonised tax and levy but the Anambra government has introduced new charges and local government authorities have come with theirs, this is too much for us but we are still engaging,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Izukanne thanked members of PEDAN for finding him worthy for the position and promised to provide leadership that would be beneficial to members and the State government.
He said the multiple taxation and harassment from different agencies and layers of government had been the problem of marketers in the and assured that he will work with government through without compromising the interest of members.
The election was supervised by Mr Obinna Okonkwo, th
e National Treasurer PEDAN.
