…..threaten legal action if incident persists
By Dare Akogun
The Association of Hotel Owners in Kwara State, has issued a save our soul message to governor Abdulraman Abdulrasaq to come to it’s aid over allege harassment, intimidation, and unlawful closure of hotels by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).
In a statement jointly signed by it’s President Alhaji Dauda Akande and General Secretary Babatunde Oladunmoye, and a copy made available to Sobi FM accused KWIRS of over-regulation and enforcing a multitude of taxes, which they claim are significantly deterring investments in the state’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The association alleged that the KWIRS has been utilizing the police to intimidate, arrest, detain, and falsely accuse their members of criminal activities in what should be civil matters of taxation.
The association further protested against the current practice of commercial properties paying commercial land charges to the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (GIS) annually and being subject to business premises levies. They argue this constitutes double taxation on commercial property, which should be addressed.
The statement also implored KWIRS to cease their alleged practice of locking up hotels without a court order, arguing that the authority cannot act as judge in it’s own case and should adhere to due process in all tax matters.
The Association however warned that it may resort to taking legal action if the situation continues, as it’s capable of leading to total business collapse and thousands of job loss.
