PDP Candidate Claims Tax Authorities Targeting His University

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State, Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, has accused Governor Bassey Otu's administration of using tax authorities to target his university. He called this move politically motivated and said it could harm education in the area.

Archibong is the founder of Arthur Jarvis University, the first private university in Cross River State. He spoke out after hearing that tax officials were set to audit the university for alleged Pay-As-You-Earn tax issues. He believes this is part of a larger effort to suppress the opposition.

He shared his concerns during a conversation with journalists on Friday in Calabar. He raised alarms about the tax authorities in the state focusing on Arthur Jarvis University.

He said, "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."

This accusation comes just days after the Water Board Estate house of his running mate, Alphonsus Eba, was marked for demolition. Archibong linked this action to what he called the “crushing of the opposition.”

Archibong pointed out that the university employs over 500 people and has given scholarships to more than 300 students. He added that the school has never received any support from the state, unlike private universities in other states.

“Private universities in other states get grants of about N500 million and above. Their roads are done. Here, not even a pin. All requests for the University Management to pay a courtesy call on the governor since he was sworn in have not been approved. We have made efforts to reach him through all the designated channels, but it has not seen the light of day,” he said.

He also insisted that the university’s tax records are up to date. He described the planned audit as “funny” and “insulting.”

“Our taxes are up to date. The planned audit is just very funny and insulting. We are watching,” he said.

In response, the State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, dismissed the allegations. He urged Archibong and the PDP to relax, saying they had already failed the 2027 elections in advance.

Ekpang stated that paying taxes is mandatory and that even opposition members must comply. He added that the government would ensure everyone meets their tax obligations.

“Tax payment is obligatory. You cannot benefit from a system for you to come out to say you will not do that which is expected of you. Therefore, Archibong and Eba cannot stop the government. The government must go on,” he added.