C’River using tax authorities to target my university, says PDP candidate

Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria's Cross River State, has leveled serious accusations against the administration of Governor Bassey Otu. Archibong alleges that the state government is weaponizing tax authorities to target his university, Arthur Jarvis University, in what he describes as a politically motivated crackdown aimed at crippling education and suppressing the opposition.

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It is so insulting. A state government that has not given the university even a pin is now gathering directors to x-ray what taxes we have not paid.

Archibong, who founded the first private university in Cross River State, stated that tax officials have been assembled to audit the institution over alleged Pay-As-You-Earn tax liabilities. He finds this move insulting, particularly as the university has never received any form of support from the state government, unlike private institutions in other regions that receive substantial grants and infrastructure development. "A state government that has not given the university even a pin is now gathering directors to x-ray what taxes we have not paid," he remarked.

The PDP candidate linked this alleged tax clampdown to the recent marking of his running mate's house for demolition, framing both actions as part of a broader effort to "crush the opposition." He highlighted that Arthur Jarvis University employs over 500 people and has provided scholarships to more than 300 students, emphasizing its significant contribution to the region despite the lack of state assistance. Archibong insisted that the university's tax records are up to date, calling the planned audit "funny" and "insulting."

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Our taxes are up to date. The planned audit is just very funny and insulting. We are watching.

Responding to the allegations, the State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, vehemently denied the claims. Ekpang urged Archibong and the PDP to accept their electoral defeat, stating that tax payment is an obligatory duty for everyone, including opposition members. He asserted that the government's actions are aimed at ensuring full compliance with tax laws and that the government will proceed with its mandate.

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Tax payment is obligatory. You cannot benefit from a system for you to come out to say you will not do that which is expected of you. Therefore, Archibong and Eba cannot stop the government. The government must go on.