Ortom: I support Wike, Sanwo-Olu on VAT collection — but we’ll obey court judgement

Samuel Ortom, Benue state governor, has backed his counterparts in Lagos and Rivers in their bid to make the collection of value-added tax (VAT) exclusive to states.

Last month, Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, signed the state’s bill on VAT collection into law — 10 days after a federal high court issued an order restraining the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from collecting the tax in the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, followed suit on Friday.

However, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered both Rivers and Lagos states to maintain status quo over the collection of VAT, pending the determination of an appeal filed by the FIRS.

Speaking with journalists on Friday, Ortom said although he supports Wike and Sanwo-Olu, he will embrace the decision of the court on VAT collection no matter the outcome.

Ortom said he had already directed the Benue attorney-general and commissioner for justice to study the law and tell him its implications.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong in embracing the law as long as it conforms with the constitution, whether it affects states positively or negatively,” NAN quoted him to have said.

“I support the governors of Rivers and Lagos states for what they are doing.

“Anything that is in tandem with the rule of law I will accept, but if anyone thinks otherwise, the best thing to do is to go to court.

“I heard they are in court, and if the case is decided otherwise by the supreme court, we will accept it.”