Abia: Gov Otti Suspends Levies Collection From Transporters

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has suspended all transport levies imposed on commercial drivers in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.

He stated that the directive was in line with the campaign promise of the governor to sanitise methods of revenue collection in the state and stop all forms of extortion, intimidation and harassement of motorists.

The statement read, “The governor has directed the immediate suspension of all kinds of transport levies payable to the 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, organised 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 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.”