Theodore Dickson | Babcock University (original) (raw)
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Papers by Theodore Dickson
Over time, the tax systems have been a major source of revenue generation for several governments... more Over time, the tax systems have been a major source of revenue generation for several governments. Its history dates back to Bible times. Tax therefore becomes the civic responsibility of individuals and corporate organizations with the understanding that its proceeds will enhance governmental projects for the benefit of the society. However, history has shown that the implementation of tax policies by different governments have at different times resulted in double or multiple taxation of the citizens. Hidden under the garb of "development" and "improvement" of the wellbeing of the society, these administrators exploit the people and at the end poverty is further entrenched. The paper attempted a critical look at tax policies and its administration in ancient Israel during the Solomonic Eraa time when the Bible said Israel "prospered", and its impact on the populace. The implications of such impact on the Nigerian tax systems were drawn in an attempt to avert extreme effects like dissension. We discovered that the Solomonic Era was characterized by heavy taxation. Beyond the multiplicity of direct tax, thousands of Israelites were drawn into unpaid labor force. The study noted the replication of Solomonic tax system in Nigeria and recommended an urgent reform in the Nigeria"s tax administration as well as value re-orientation aimed at curtailing corrupt bureaucracy.
Conflicts abound and are inevitable. They are not limited to any class of people. What makes the ... more Conflicts abound and are inevitable. They are not limited to any class of people. What makes the difference, however, is how we handle it because many families, communities and relationships have either been torn apart or are in pain resulting from unresolved conflicts. From a comparative viewpoint, the study examined the sources of conflicts and the modes of resolution in the Abraham vs. Lot (Gen 13) and the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities. We realized that the conflict between the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities took a serious turn culminating in loss of life and prolonged legal battle because of selfishness and greed on the part of the Irodos, and unpatriotism on the part of the Idofin Odo-Ashe people. Although the latter finally showed a sense of patriotism, that was rather too late and self-centered, too. The Abraham vs. Lot conflict produced the opposite. While the conflict revealed Lot's selfishness and greed, Abraham's patriotic and selfless attitude which culminated in compromising his natural right and privileges provided permanent solution to the rift. We therefore recommended that crises-ridden communities should embrace Abraham's unconventional approach as antidote to loss, divorce, pain and prolonged legal battles which accompany unresolved conflicts.
Over time, the tax systems have been a major source of revenue generation for several governments... more Over time, the tax systems have been a major source of revenue generation for several governments. Its history dates back to Bible times. Tax therefore becomes the civic responsibility of individuals and corporate organizations with the understanding that its proceeds will enhance governmental projects for the benefit of the society. However, history has shown that the implementation of tax policies by different governments have at different times resulted in double or multiple taxation of the citizens. Hidden under the garb of "development" and "improvement" of the wellbeing of the society, these administrators exploit the people and at the end poverty is further entrenched. The paper attempted a critical look at tax policies and its administration in ancient Israel during the Solomonic Eraa time when the Bible said Israel "prospered", and its impact on the populace. The implications of such impact on the Nigerian tax systems were drawn in an attempt to avert extreme effects like dissension. We discovered that the Solomonic Era was characterized by heavy taxation. Beyond the multiplicity of direct tax, thousands of Israelites were drawn into unpaid labor force. The study noted the replication of Solomonic tax system in Nigeria and recommended an urgent reform in the Nigeria"s tax administration as well as value re-orientation aimed at curtailing corrupt bureaucracy.
Conflicts abound and are inevitable. They are not limited to any class of people. What makes the ... more Conflicts abound and are inevitable. They are not limited to any class of people. What makes the difference, however, is how we handle it because many families, communities and relationships have either been torn apart or are in pain resulting from unresolved conflicts. From a comparative viewpoint, the study examined the sources of conflicts and the modes of resolution in the Abraham vs. Lot (Gen 13) and the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities. We realized that the conflict between the Idofin odo-Ashe vs. Irodo communities took a serious turn culminating in loss of life and prolonged legal battle because of selfishness and greed on the part of the Irodos, and unpatriotism on the part of the Idofin Odo-Ashe people. Although the latter finally showed a sense of patriotism, that was rather too late and self-centered, too. The Abraham vs. Lot conflict produced the opposite. While the conflict revealed Lot's selfishness and greed, Abraham's patriotic and selfless attitude which culminated in compromising his natural right and privileges provided permanent solution to the rift. We therefore recommended that crises-ridden communities should embrace Abraham's unconventional approach as antidote to loss, divorce, pain and prolonged legal battles which accompany unresolved conflicts.