Edo - The Edo Government on Wednesday sealed up the premises of the Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio) stations over outstanding debts of N12.8 million.
A statement signed by Courage Eboigbe, Head Media, Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, said “the outstanding tax liabilities of ITV/Radio to the Edo State Government amount to N12.89 million.
“Based on a subsisting court order, the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue sealed off the business premises of Independent Television/Radio (ITV/Radio) this morning for failure to pay accumulated tax from 2005 to 2010.
“Indeed, all well-meaning residents of Edo State appreciate the concerted efforts of the Adams Oshiomhole administration to rebuild the state.
``As a matter of policy, the administration has deployed enormous resources to build social infrastructure with a view to creating more enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
``It is only reasonable that corporate citizens assist the government by fulfilling their tax obligations to sustain the progress.
“To be sure, the board wishes to reassure the public that it will continue to enforce the tax law without fear or favour.
“At some point in the past, the board had had cause to seal off NTA, NDDC, PHCN, UBTH, NPDC, Union Bank, First Bank, Mainstreet Bank, among others.
``These corporate citizens have since settled their liabilities to the State Government and are operating freely in the state,” the statement added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ITV/Radio is owned by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.
NAN