The Cross River tax dispute has escalated after the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, exchanged accusations over claims that tax enforcement is being used to target opposition figures. While Archibong described the planned tax audit of his university as politically motivated, the state government insisted that tax compliance is a legal obligation that applies equally to all citizens.
Speaking with journalists in Calabar, Archibong alleged that the Cross River State Government was preparing to use tax claims to clamp down on Arthur Jarvis University in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The institution, which he described as the first private university in the state, was allegedly being targeted through what he called fictitious tax claims intended to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, any action against the university would negatively affect more than 500 employees and approximately 300 scholarship beneficiaries who depend on the institution. Archibong also expressed disappointment over what he described as the government’s lack of engagement with him despite his efforts.
“In spite of being in opposition, I have, for three years, tried to secure an audience with the governor to no avail,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate maintained that the university had fulfilled all its tax obligations and questioned the rationale behind the planned audit. According to him, the institution has consistently paid its taxes, including the ₦1 million annual high-net-worth tax, and possesses valid tax clearance certificates. He argued that businesses that comply with statutory tax requirements should not be subjected to what he described as unnecessary scrutiny.
“The government should be supportive of private investors and not make things difficult for them, given their role as major employers in society,” Archibong stated.
He further described the planned audit of the university’s tax records as “funny” and “insulting,” suggesting it appeared to be a retaliatory measure.
The Cross River tax dispute comes shortly after another development involving the opposition. Archibong noted that the allegations emerged only days after the residence of his running mate, Alphonsus Eba, located at Water Board Estate, was marked for demolition, raising concerns within the PDP over what it considers a pattern of actions targeting opposition figures.
Responding to the claims, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, rejected allegations that the government was using tax enforcement for political purposes. He stressed that payment of taxes remains a statutory responsibility for every citizen, regardless of political affiliation. Ekpang also dismissed suggestions that the government was targeting opposition members.
“You cannot benefit from a system and then refuse to comply with its requirements,” he said.
The commissioner further advised Archibong and the PDP not to politicise routine government responsibilities, adding that governance would continue irrespective of political disagreements.
“Archibong and Eba cannot stop the government. Governance must continue,” Ekpang stated.
The Cross River tax dispute has highlighted growing political tensions in the state ahead of the 2027 elections. While the PDP governorship candidate maintains that the planned tax audit is an attempt to intimidate the opposition, the Cross River State Government insists that tax enforcement is a lawful administrative responsibility that applies equally to every individual and institution.
