In a development sparking controversy and internal strife within the top management of the Anambra State Revenue House, Comrade Osita Obi, Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project and Movement for the Conduct of Local Government Elections in Anambra State, has publicly accused Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of being the root cause of the ongoing crisis.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Comrade Osita Obi expressed his strong views regarding what he perceives as a contentious issue. He raised concerns about the creation of Executive Directors within the Board of Internal Revenue, with direct accountability to the governor, in a situation where a Chairman already holds a significant leadership role.
According to Comrade Obi, the establishment of Executive Directors has led to a situation where there is a pronounced conflict of interest and a potential overlap in duties. He contends that the Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service has been relegated to a ceremonial figurehead, with the Executive Directors, particularly those responsible for revenue enforcement, making unilateral decisions without seeking the approval of the Chairman.
Obi articulated, "The governor made an initial error in judgment. There is no role called Executive Director. When you appoint a Chairman, that designation inherently makes them the Executive Chairman. The Chairman can then choose to hire individuals who can oversee various regional aspects to fulfill the objectives. However, when individuals are designated as Executive Directors and report directly to the governor, without being answerable to the Chairman, it results in a problematic situation."
He further emphasized, "I believe that the turmoil within the Revenue House is primarily a consequence of the governor's actions, and the responsibility for rectifying this situation lies with the governor himself. The governor erred in establishing Executive Directors who do not answer to the Chairman."
Comrade Osita Obi pointed to the specific case of Dr. Christian Madubuko, who was appointed by the governor as the Executive Director in charge of enforcement. He posed the question, "Does he require the Chairman's authorization to carry out enforcement activities? In my view, the answer is no. The governor entrusted him with that responsibility, so the governor bears responsibility for the situation. It is only the governor who can rectify this error."
The controversy surrounding the establishment of Executive Directors in the Anambra Revenue House underscores the need for careful governance and clarity in administrative decisions. The issue remains a topic of intense debate and scrutiny, with many stakeholders expressing the hope for a resolution that best serves the interests of the state.
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