The attention of the Comrade Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has been drawn to a news report on your website accusing the Governor of appointing Barrister Austin Atakpu as a Special Adviser on Taxation, whom you described in your report as an ‘ex-convict’. We wish to use this opportunity to state the following; that Austin Atakpu is a Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue and not ‘Tax Collector General’ as insinuated in your report. There is a Board of Internal Revenue under the Chairmanship of Ese Owie,Ph.D, an alumnus of Oxford University, UK. Aside from that, he is also a Lawyer and has vast experience on taxation, revenue generation and management. His experience also encompasses international trade law and policy, financial services regulation, insurance and shipping.
Secondly, the Comrade Governor had no knowledge about the alleged conviction of Austin Atakpu in England neither was he aware that Austin Atakpu had brushes with the law in the United Kingdom with regard to conviction. If there is any such evidence of conviction made available to the Comrade Governor, he will apply the necessary logic. Besides, Atakpu has contested election in the past and the understanding would be that he had gone through the screening authorities before he could be certified for election. There was nothing to suggest that he was convicted as alleged at the time of his appointment.
On appointments, the Comrade Governor has repeatedly said that the State would not compromise on merit in recruiting the right personnel to drive development and governance in Edo State. He believes in the ability of members of his cabinet to create the right platform to engage governance and make life meaningful for the average Edo person. He certainly will not compromise on those solemn pledges which he had made when he was being sworn into office as Governor of Edo State. If he possesses the right information, he will act accordingly. Thank you.
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE EDO STATE GOVERNOR.
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