NNPO RESPONDS TO SOLUDO’S MISGUIDED COMMENT ON ANAMBRA’S HIGHEST TAXPAYER
Peter Obi and Soludo
The New Nigeria is POssible (NNPO) expresses deep concern over the recent remarks by Governor Charles Soludo, disputing the well-established fact that SABMiller Breweries is the highest taxpayer in Anambra State.
It is unfortunate that a man who once held the title of Central Bank Governor would publicly downplay the economic significance of a multi-billion naira manufacturing giant, simply to undermine the legacy of Mr. Peter Obi.
Let us remind Governor Soludo and the public:
SABMiller is a major industrial player, with huge investments in production, logistics, employment, and taxation. Its operations generate company income tax, excise duties, VAT, and ground levies that directly benefit the state.
Banks, including Fidelity (where Mr. Obi once served as Chairman), primarily remit PAYE taxes, taxes based on staff salaries and their corporate taxes are often recorded in Lagos, Abuja where their headquarters are, not Anambra. These are not comparable in weight or impact to what a manufacturing giant like SABMiller contributes.
Mr. Obi’s statement is backed by hard data and the records are there for anyone genuinely interested in the truth. We urge Governor Soludo to focus more on building a stronger Anambra and less on revisionist attacks designed to score political points.
The people of Anambra know the truth. And history will always remember the visionary leadership of Mr. Peter Obi, who laid the solid economic foundation that many still benefit from today, including the very government now trying to rewrite that history.
A New Nigeria is POssible, but only when leaders uphold truth above pride, and governance above pettiness.
