By David Peter
- ©Ayade Advocate

It was celebration galore, Friday, as the Cross River State Anti-Tax Agency which was established on the 20th of May 2020, hosted the crème de la crème of commissioners, chairmen of MDA's, security outfits, close associates, and special guests in a bash of honoring the agency first Anniversary which also incorporated the stakeholder's Workshop.

The celebration was also a way to collaborates with other legal forces and security agencies to sustain Ayade's tax exemption policies.

Cross River State Anti-Tax Agency has efficiently and effectively experienced laudable tax immunity operations in the twinkling of one year by Bishop (Dr.) Emmah Gospel Isong, jp.

The Chairman, Cross River State Anti-Tax Agency, however, stands taller than all the following strides, his excellent performance to formulate policies and make laws on taxation is laudable as Cross Riverians enjoys 100% Tax exemption without prejudice to CITA.

1. Encouraged Small & Medium Scale Enterprises by taking the tax burdens off them.

2. Set Up office secretariat, Purchased additional operational vehicles, appoints representatives in all the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.

3. Established the Anti-Tax Brigade, appoints volunteer marshals to undertake enforcement in conjunction with other security outfits.

4. Propelled the Cross River State House of Assembly to review and revive the 2015 Tax exemption of laws that had hitherto been non-implemented.

5. Synergies with the State Judiciary and Ministry of Justice to establish Special Courts to try offenders.

6. Interfaced with other Government Ministries, Departments (MDA's) to harmonize, monitor the implementation of tax exemption policies.

7 . Organised several workshops, engaged in awareness campaigns to sensitize beneficiaries of this policy.

The Chairman along with the Board Members thanked Almighty God for his transcending grace to achieve extensively, similarly, he applauded the State Governor, His Excellency, (Prof.) Ben Ayade for his lofty endorses and allegiance to succeed.