The role of Lagos state tax consulting firm, Alpha Beta, was the focus of the debate organised for governorship candidates by the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion yesterday.
The debate, which held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, had Governor Raji Fashola (ACN); Dr Ade Dosunmu(PDP); Abdullahi Tokoya(ANPP); Mr. Michael Adegbola (APGA) and Comrade Ayodele Akele(NCP) in attendance.
The session commenced with brief introductory remarks and plans for the state by governorship candidates.
It however heated up when Tokoya accused Fashola of using Alpha Beta to siphon tax payer’s money.
He urged him to cancel the contract immediately to clear his name in the scandal generated by the tax consultants.
Fashola explained that the firm does not collect revenue for the state government as widely believed, pointing out that it only helps to reconcile its account and ensure the state does not lose money to fraudsters.
Alpha Beta, he explained, brought information technology support and blocked all conduit pipes for siphoning public funds.
He said the firm is a limited liability company with records at the Corporate Affairs Commission that are verifiable.
’It is a known fact that before my being in government, it was very difficult to know how many accounts the state has as it was possible to open account in the name of the state government and money never get into the account.
“It is the new information technology support that AIpha Beta brought that moved the monthly revenue generation of the state government from N600 million to N14 billion today.
“They are providing knowledge based service, employing young people and giving them an opportunity to do something for themselves and helping us to verify the integrity of our records, payment receipt and other documents that are brought to us”.
Fashola said since the firm has helped the state to realise its target of N17 billion IGR monthly, he does not see any reason why it should not be adequately rewarded.
‘’We are about the only state that publishes her monthly records and transaction through the new technology we have benefited from the partnership with AIpha Beta and I feel it is only fair that they are duly rewarded”.
Dosunmu said taxation was serious matter that must be given priority attention.
He promised to expand the tax drag net to accommodate more people, while reducing taxes paid by Lagosians, if elected.
He argued that the state government can save a whopping N6 Billion if collection is left for agencies saddled with the responsibility.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Leo XIV Celebrates First Mass After Historic Election As Pope
He Laughed At Me When I Had Issues With The Authorities -Bobrisky React To VeryDarkMan’s Arrest
PHOTOS: Troops Arrest Notorious Gunrunners, Recover Arms In Kaduna
PHOTOS: Young Woman Brutally Murdered By Suspected Ritualists, Priv@te Part Removed In Ogun
Woman Slams Her Husband For Allegedly Having Unprotected S3x With Random Girls After Publicly Apologizing To Her