Kogi queries perm sec over ’embarrassing’ bread levy

Usman Ibrahim, a permanent secretary in the Kogi ministry of commerce and industry, has been queried over the proposed bread levy in the state.

The query was issued two days after Yahaya Bello, the governor, said his administration would sanction officials behind the proposed levy.

The state government had described the tax as “devilish and embarrassing.”

TheCable had reported how the state ministry of commerce wrote to the Kogi chapter of the Association of Master bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) about a new levy “on each loaf of bread.”

But in the query dated November 17 and addressed to Ibrahim, Deborah Ogunmola, head of service, Kogi government, asked the permanent secretary to respond within 24 hours as to why he should not be disciplined over the levy.

“Investigation has revealed that you acted without obtaining the approval of the honourable commissioner in your ministry as you could not provide any file where it was approved for you to disseminate such information,” Ogunmola said.

“Your action is clearly ultra vires of the public service rules Section 4 – 030402 (1), (N) and (o) which might lead to your dismissal from the service.

“This act of serious misconduct is unbecoming of an officer of your calibre who is expected to be above board in conduct and in performance of your duties.”

Before the governor spoke against the levy, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information, had defended it, saying it is meant to protect local bakers and the state’s economy.

TheCable had reported how Ibrahim informed bakers that Musag Enterprises had been mandated as the consulting company to receive the levies on behalf of the state government.