Governor Alex Otti of Abia State
Gov Otti detests present method of collecting transport levies in Abia
…Says process archaic, harmful to people’s lives and economic well-being of the state
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has suspended, with immediate effect, transport levies in the state, describing the present method of collecting the levies as archaic and very harmful to the lives of the people and the economic well-being of the state.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the action was in line with the campaign promises of Governor Otti who promised to sanitise methods of revenue collection in the state.
The four-paragraph statement reads: “In line with the campaign promise of the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to sanitize methods of revenue collection in the state and stop all kinds of extortion, intimidation and harassment of motorists, the Governor has directed the immediate suspension of all kinds of Transport Levies payable to Abia State government and imposed on Tricycles (Keke), Buses, Taxis and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads.
“This 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 that would not lead to extortion, intimidation and violation of rights and privileges of Abia residents.
“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.”
