The Abia State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the 2027 election, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has said he will review the state’s tax burden if elected governor.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Anosike said his administration would focus on reducing the burden on low-income residents while generating revenue through a different approach to taxation.
He said:
“I will not tax a truck pusher. Even the woman, selling akara, is being taxed about 500, 1,000 Naira per day. So, seven days is 7,000. Multiply that by 13 days and the 12th month. You see, the woman is paying close to 350,000 Naira tax for selling akara. The truck pusher is being taxed for pushing truck 1,000, 2,000 per day. So, we review the tax burden. You open up the state, then you review the tax burden and collect from the rich to service the poor.”
Anosike also cited the taxation of petty traders as an area he intends to review.
The PDP candidate said the proposed review would form part of his broader economic welfare plans for the state.
Anosike also said his administration would seek to attract investment and expand economic opportunities in Abia.
“The real governance is opening up your state to investment, opening up your state to attract foreign direct investment, going into productive investments, and creating those jobs that are needed by your citizens, and also creating human welfare for them. That’s the essence of governance.”
He said his approach to governance would be centred on the welfare of residents.
“You look at the people before you make policies. And in so doing, you’ll be able to work towards the welfare of the people and effective governance, effectiveness, to make sure all the cities come to bear.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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