Bayelsa governor orders compulsory education tax
Every resident of Bayelsa State must now pay a “token” to support the government’s education drive.
Even Governor Seriake Dickson who introduced the “education” tax will pay N100,000 monthly.
The governor made the announcement on Friday.
“From now on, funds will be pumped into the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) account to support free feeding, free uniforms and other items for the pupils,” Dickson said.
“And it will take little contributions from every Bayelsan; some will pay as little as N400, N500 per month. There are others that will have to pay N1, 000 or more depending on their businesses.
“For those in the public service, they will also contribute. It is better for us to put together resources to fund mass education,” he said.
What the “bosses” will pay
Dickson pays – N100,000
Deputy governor – N50,000
House speaker – N30,000
Chief judge –N25,000
“Commissioners, assembly members, senior special advisers, special advisers and senior special assistants will also pay,” the governor said.
“All those doing business in the state will have to pay a particular percentage as education levy.
“Everybody given government contract from now on has to pay tax,’’ the he said.
Dickson also introduced the Tertiary Education Loan Board to give loans to indigent students in tertiary institutions, particularly those in the Niger Delta University.
He said his aim is to raise literacy level in the state.
“Yes, in this state, we have some educated people but the judgment I have made over time is that we have yet to get that critical mass of highly skilled and qualified professionals and unless we have them, the state will be in trouble,” Dickson said.
Anyone who fails to pay will be regarded an “enemy” of the state, the governor said.
