The Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AIRS), tasked with collecting internal revenues for the state, has become the battleground for a dispute among its top management staff, with Governor Charles Soludo maintaining an unusual silence amid the turmoil.
Despite boasting over 100 markets in Onitsha alone, 20 major international markets across the state, an industrial city in Nnewi, and numerous semi-urban centers with considerable economic activities, the agency responsible for revenue collection finds itself embroiled in internal conflicts.
The primary protagonists in this conflict are the Executive Chairman of AIRS, Chief Greg Ezeilo, and the Executive Director of Operations, Dr. Christian Madubuko. T
he central issue revolves around the control of the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.
Governor Soludo, upon assuming office, had charged AIRS with increasing revenue generation and set a target of growing the state’s IGR to N10 billion monthly.
This directive triggered a revenue drive by the agency, resulting in public backlash as citizens complained of excessive taxation.
A source within the agency, speaking anonymously, revealed that despite the open confrontation and feud within the agency, Soludo has not intervened to resolve the matter.
The internal strife intensified with Chief Greg Ezeilo’s appointment as the new Chairman and Executive Director.
Ezeilo’s attempt to diminish the influence of Dr. Christian Madubuko resulted in the creation of a new office, the UHBET Centre, and a change in Madubuko’s job description.
An internal memo issued by Ezeilo accused Madubuko of insubordination, usurpation of power, and converting agency operational vehicles for personal use.
In response, Madubuko’s reply, leaked to the press, contained allegations against Ezeilo, suggesting financial impropriety and misuse of government funds.
The conflict has not only unveiled internal administrative issues but also raised concerns about the effective functioning of AIRS and the impact on Anambra State’s revenue generation.
The governor’s silence on the matter has left many wondering about the future resolution of the dispute and its consequences for the state’s financial stability.
