April 13, (THEWILL) – Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to immediately halt the ongoing imposition of illegal taxes and alleged forgery of official documents by some sacked Yes/No council chairmen.
Describing the situation as a threat to peace and a gross violation of legal and administrative procedures, Adeleke said the actions of the affected former council officials, particularly in Boripe Local Government Area, undermine the rule of law and defy the authority of the courts.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the Governor ordered that the individuals involved be invited for questioning over the falsification of council documents, the collection of illegal levies from market operators, and the establishment of unauthorised revenue taskforces.
“The reported activities, especially from Boripe Local Government, are not only illegal but also a clear affront on the judiciary, especially as the APC has already filed an appeal on the sacking of the Yes/No council chairmen,” the statement read.
The governor cited a case where a sacked council chairman allegedly inaugurated a revenue taskforce that proceeded to forge and print fake council documents, including local government identification letters and market revenue receipts, which are now being issued to unsuspecting members of the public.
Concerned about the potential breakdown of law and order, Adeleke tasked the Police Commissioner to act swiftly, and also directed his Special Adviser on Security to coordinate with the police for immediate implementation of the directive.
Expressing shock at what he described as the brazen imposition of hardship on citizens through illegal taxation, the Governor questioned the motive behind the continued occupation of council secretariats by the ousted officials.
“Is this the reason for the illegal occupation of local government secretariats? Is it all about extorting the people and inflicting unnecessary pain? This must stop immediately,” he said.
He warned that any individual found guilty of forgery or illegal tax collection would be made to face the full weight of the law.
“We alert the public to this new round of illegality on a matter that is sub judice. Forging council documents and collecting revenue without legal backing are criminal acts. Anyone caught will be prosecuted accordingly,” the govenor stated.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
