From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government on Tuesday served an official query to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Usman Ibrahim for official misconduct over the recent widely spread report of bread levy allegedly introduced by the state government.
In a letter signed by the Head of Service, Kogi State Government, Mrs. Deborah Ogunmola, the affected official was directed to respond within 24 hours to exculpate himself on why disciplinary action should not be taken for gross misconduct.
The HOS stated that the concerned official on the 9th of November, 2020 signed a letter addressed to the Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) Kogi state branch on the subject of introducing an identified consulting company and levies on bread to all bakers and caterers doing business in the state.
Mrs. Ogunmola added that investigation revealed that the official acted without obtaining the approval of the Honourable Commissioner of the ministry and could not provide any file documenting the approval for the dissemination of such information.
The HOS stipulated that despite the official’s denial, his actions contravened the provisions of Public Service Rules, Section 4 – 030402 (1), (N) and (o) which might lead to his dismissal from the service.
Recalled that the state government has come under wide condemnation, for allegedly introducing bread levy, saying that such an action would inflict more pains on citizens.
However, the state government through its officials have consistently denied the introduction of the said levy, noting that government have been flexible on taxes to encourage investment in the state.
