The Benue State Government has dragged a businessman, Mr Joseph Orih, his company, M.C. Development Co. Nig. Ltd., and the Assistant Inspector General, AIG, Zone 4 Makurdi, before the

State High Court, Makurdi, on allegation of illegal tax collection.

Through the case filed by the Attorney General of the State and the State Inland Revenue Service, the Benue government is seeking to recover 170 million Naira said to have been collected illegally by Orih and his company and is also seeking one billion naira in general damages.

Among reliefs sought by the state government is an order of interlocutory injunction against the Respondents/Defendants “restraining them by themselves, servants, agents or privies from collecting any tax/revenue from any part of the state or interfering with the activities of the Applicants/Plaintiffs or their appointed revenue agents pending the determination of the suit.

While the state government is ready for trial, counsel to the AIG pleaded for time to settle out of court. On his part, counsel to Orih pleaded for time because he is indisposed.

Counsel to the BIRS, Emmanuel Kpojime said, “We are looking forward to the adjourned date ofDecember 5, 2016, the Benue State government is setting a good example by resorting to ‘Due Process’ and the ‘Rule of Law’ through judicial interpretation and resolution rather than to the coercive the respondents by using state power to enforce its rights and privileges.

“This will surely consolidate our democracy.” (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Benue Governor Samuel Ortom.