Isiyaku Ahmed
Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti has directed the immediate suspension of all kinds of Transport Levies payable to the government and imposed on Tricycles (Keke), Buses, Taxis, and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Governor in a statement on Wednesday said the action was in line with Otti’s campaign promise to sanitize methods of revenue collection in the state and stop all kinds of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists.
The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain until government reviews these levies and makes public its arrangements for the smooth, organized, and transparent collection of such Transport Levies in a manner it would not lead to extortion, intimidation, and violation of rights and privileges of Abia residents, the statement emphasized.
According to the statement, the government believes that the present method is archaic and very harmful to the lives of the people and the economic well-being of the state, and thus should not be allowed to continue.
“In the light of the above decision, the governor has asked all those involved, directly and indirectly, to please discontinue forthwith, or face the wrath of the law, as security agents have been briefed and directed to apprehend and bring to justice anyone found violating this directive.”
