By Sylvester Iloba
The Delta State Ground Rent Committee Task Force embarked on enforcement on payment of Ground Rent on property by defaulters within Asaba and its environs.
The Task Force Committee was led by its Chairman, Mr. Paul Esejo, other members on the team included Mr. Joseph Okwuokei, Mr. Chidi Nwoko and Mr. Phillip Ijeh the Secretary among others.
The Committee in consonance with its mandate visited property owners within Asaba and its environs with a view to ensuring compliance on the statutory payment of Ground Rent due to Government.
Property owners visited within Asaba included Aspire Micro Finance Bank, Grand Hotel, Triple A Exclusive Hotel, BOVAS Filling Station, lamibelle Event Centre, Lumen Christi School, Zenith Bank Nig. Plc, Fresh Dew Hotel, Agofure Motors among others.
Speaking to the press at the end of the exercise, the Chairman of the Ground Rent Committee Task Force, Mr. Paul Esejo said that the essence of embarking on enforcement of Ground Rent cannot be over emphasized.
“It is a well-known fact that in this part of the globe that people do not like to pay taxes without being compelled to do so. It will interest you to know that in the understanding of the above stated fact that the State Government on the 20th January, 2014 inaugurated a Special Task Force on Ground Rent charged with the responsibility of making landlords in the State to pay their Ground Rent on their landed properties, whether residential, commercial, agricultural etc in other to sustain the economic growth of the State.
“Ground Rent payment is not restricted to only owners of landed properties on Government land. It is applicable to all owners of landed properties both Government and private. You may wish to know that in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978 (as amended) which vested the ownership of all lands on the State Government, she then has the right to ask for rent from all landed property owners. In the same vein, the Delta State Internal Revenue Service Law 2020 also empowers the State Government the right of collection of Ground Rent.” He said.
According to Mr. Esejo, the activities of the State Task Force on Ground Rent had helped to positively increase the revenue base of Delta State.
He admonished all owners of landed properties in the State to join hands with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori in the achievement of the MORE Agenda through the payment of their Ground Rents.
“His Excellency needs revenue to give Deltans more dividend of democracy. I commend those that have been diligent in the payment of their Ground Rents.” Mr. Esejo stated.
