Taxation: Group blasts Kwara Governor, KMC over comments on Igbo traders

A group, the Kwara Future Forum has openly criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak for allegedly encouraging divisive rhetoric against Igbo traders in Kwara State.

The forum accuses the governor of orchestrating support groups, notably Kwara Must Change, to disparage the Igbo business community, following their protests against perceived unfair taxation by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

Kwara Must Change, under the leadership of Hamzah AbdulRazak, who is closely associated with Governor AbdulRazak, issued statements lambasting the Igbo traders for contesting the high and multiple taxes levied against them. The group’s condemnation came in the wake of demonstrations by Igbo traders against what they describe as oppressive taxation practices by the KWIRS, alleging that these practices are selectively targeting their businesses.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent Hamzah AbdulRazak accused the Igbo traders of exploiting ethnic solidarity to evade their tax obligations, framing their protests as a manipulative attempt to undermine state authority.

The Kwara Future Forum has lambasted the governor for not stepping in to mediate the escalating conflict, instead allowing his “attack dogs” to vilify a specific ethnic group, thereby exacerbating tensions.

Critics argue that the governor’s apparent endorsement of Kwara Must Change’s divisive statements not only undermines the social cohesion of Kwara State but also jeopardizes its economic stability. They call for a more inclusive and conciliatory approach to governance, urging Governor AbdulRazak to personally intervene and address the grievances of the Igbo trading community in a manner that fosters mutual respect and understanding.