The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Cross River State, Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, has accused the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of deploying tax authorities to target his university, describing the move as politically motivated and capable of crippling education in the region.
Archibong, founder of Arthur Jarvis University, the first private university in Cross River State, spoke amid reports that tax officials had been assembled to audit the institution over alleged Pay-As-You-Earn tax liabilities, describing it as the latest move in a wider clampdown on the opposition.
He disclosed this during a chat with journalists on Friday in Calabar while raising the alarm over attempts by tax authorities in the state to clamp down 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.”
The allegation comes days after the Water Board Estate house of his running mate, Alphonsus Eba, was marked for demolition, a move Archibong linked to what he described as the so-called “crushing of the opposition.”
Archibong said the university, which he noted employs over 500 people and has awarded scholarships to more than 300 students, has never received state support, 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 the day,”he said.
Speaking further, he insisted the institution’s tax records were up to date, describing 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.
However, the State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, while reacting to the development, debunked the allegations, urging Archibong and the PDP to relax, adding that they had failed the 2027 elections in advance.
Ekpang noted that the payment of taxes is obligatory and that even members of the opposition must comply. He added that the government would ensure full compliance with 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.
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