NBA, CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS PROTEST AGAINST GOV. AMBODE OVER LAND USE CHARGE & OTHER TAXES

By TAYO FALOYE (13 March, 2018)



The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, in collaboration with civil rights groups today protested against the Lagos State Government over hike in Land Use Charge (LUC) and other taxes imposed on residents of the state.

The massive protest walk began from the NBA secretariat and ended at the Lagos State Governor’s Office and House of Assembly, Alausa.

It can be recalled that a seven day ultimatum was issued on the March 7th by the NBA to Gov. Ambode to reverse the draconian tax increase, which it termed "oppressive tax" capable of causing hyper inflation or face civil resistance. The reversal deadline ran out today, hence the protest in fulfilment of the NBA's warning.

The tax protest was supported and joined by Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Joint Action Front (JAF) and the Human, Environmental Agenda (HEDA) and others in solidarity.

Protesters turned out adorned in red T-shirts with banners, placards and handbills with inscriptions as “NBA rejects opressive taxes in Lagos State”, “No to Killing Taxes”, “Ambode Stop This Oppressive Land Use Charge,” “We Say No to Double Taxation,” “We Say No to Insensitive Government Policies,” and “Don’t Kill Lagosians with Tax”.

At a point during the march, the gate leading to the governors office was shut against protesters by security agents. This immediately prompted a sit out by protesters in front of the gate. The timely intervention of  Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, to pacify and address the teeming crowd, saw to the opening of the gate. He further received the protesters’ petition on behalf of Gov. Ambode while the Majority Leader, Sanai Agubiade, received on behalf of the Lagos Assembly.

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