Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abia State |September 23, 2025—
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has explained that his administration will not subject Abians to harsh or aggressive taxation, stressing that government must first provide prosperity and value to the people before demanding their contribution in return.
Reacting to the governor’s statement, Former Abia governorship candidate and founder of the OAU foundation, Onyekwere Akym Uche commended the people-centered approach, describing it as a refreshing departure from past practices where citizens were often burdened without visible benefits.
“What Gov Otti has said is both sensible and fair. The truth is, people are more willing to pay taxes when they see that their money is working for them. This approach restores trust between government and the governed,” OAU remarked.
He further highlighted that Otti’s stance aligns with the economic realities in Abia State, where many small businesses and ordinary citizens are still recovering from years of neglect and economic hardship.
“You cannot strangle the people with taxes when infrastructure, healthcare, and education are still being rebuilt. What the Governor is doing is laying the foundation for prosperity before taxation,” he added.
Recall that Gov Otti, during a policy interaction noted that taxation should not be viewed merely as a tool for revenue collection but as a reflection of shared prosperity.
“Taxation and revenue is government’s share in the prosperity it has created amongst the populace. We believe that the government has to give the people first before asking for something (tax) in return,” he said.
Akym therefore noted that a balanced taxation policy could boost compliance rates among residents.
“When government invests in the people, by building roads, supporting traders, and creating jobs, the people will naturally see paying taxes as part of their civic responsibility,” he said.
He called on Abians to support the governor’s vision by remaining patient and engaging constructively in the rebuilding process.
“Revenue is important, but it must be humane and just. If Otti continues on this path, Abia will not only grow economically but will also strengthen the bond of trust between leaders and citizens,” OAU concluded.
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