The Anambra State Internal Revenue Services (AIRS) is responsible for collecting internal revenues in the state. Despite having numerous markets, industrial centers, and economic activities, the agency has been embroiled in a conflict over revenue collection. The primary dispute involves the Executive Chairman, Chief Greg Ezeilo, and the Executive Director of Operations, Dr. Christian Madubuko.
The contention revolves around control of the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state. Following Governor Soludo’s directive to increase revenue generation, the agency faced backlash due to heightened tax enforcement. Despite previous reforms under Dr. Richard Maddiebo, the conflict intensified with Chief Greg Ezeilo taking charge.
Ezeilo’s strategy included creating a new office, UHBET Centre, and reassigning Madubuko to oversee specific areas. However, Madubuko resisted, leading to a confrontation. An internal memo issued by Ezeilo accused Madubuko of insubordination, usurpation of power, and misuse of agency vehicles.
Madubuko, in his response, accused Ezeilo of leaking the memo to the media for humiliation. He alleged that Ezeilo used a revenue company to divert government funds and keep him uninformed. Madubuko also claimed that a partnering firm mishandled revenue collections, presenting a cheque of N150 million instead of the expected amount.
Furthermore, Madubuko accused Ezeilo of accepting financial favors from a business owner and mishandling IGR partner recruitment. Despite their internal conflicts, the revenue generation in Anambra has suffered, with certain companies benefiting from the chaos.
Governor Soludo has remained silent on the matter, and the press secretary denied knowledge of any conflict within the agency. The situation echoes a past resignation and raises concerns about the state’s revenue collection amid internal disputes.