Allegations of a Politically Motivated Tax Audit
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has accused the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of using tax authorities to target his university. He claims this is part of a broader effort to suppress opposition figures ahead of the upcoming elections.
Archibong, who is also the founder of Arthur Jarvis University—the first private university established in Cross River State—spoke out after reports emerged that tax officials had been assembled to audit the institution over alleged Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax compliance.
Context of the Alleged Clampdown
The accusation follows a recent incident in which the Water Board estate house of his running mate, Alphonsus Eba, was marked for demolition. Archibong linked that action to what he described as a so-called “crush of the opposition” by the state government.
“It is so insulting. A state government that has not given the University even a pin is now gathering directors to x-ray what taxes we have not paid,” Archibong said, expressing frustration over the audit.
He emphasized that Arthur Jarvis University employs over 500 people and has awarded scholarships to more than 300 students. Despite these contributions, he noted, the institution has never received state support—unlike private universities in other parts of Nigeria.
“Private universities in other states get grants of about 500 million Naira and above. Their roads are done,” Archibong said. “Here, not even a pin. All requests for the University Management to pay a courtesy call to the governor since he was sworn in have not been approved.”
Tax Records and Political Tensions
Archibong insisted that the university’s tax records are in order and up to date, describing the audit as “funny” and “insulting.” He predicted that he would be the next target after his running mate, stating, “I’m next, when they finish with Eba.” He tied the tax probe directly to the Water Board land dispute and advised the government against escalating the standoff.
In response, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, noted that payment of tax is obligatory and that even opposition figures must comply with tax laws.
Broader Implications
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the PDP and APC in Cross River State, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of using state institutions to intimidate political rivals. The situation also raises questions about the treatment of private educational institutions in the state, particularly those founded by political figures.
As the election cycle progresses, observers will be watching to see whether the tax audit and other actions are isolated incidents or part of a wider pattern of political interference.
Source: PDP guber candidate decries politically motivated tax audit