The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has ordered the suspension of all transport levies imposed on Tricycles (Keke), Buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads.
This was disclosed in a statement by the special adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, on Wednesday.
According to Ekeoma, the Suspension will remain until it’s review by the Government and present to the public in a manner it would not lead to extortion, intimidation and violation of rights and privileges of Abia residents.
He said, “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 it would not lead to extortion, intimidation and violation of rights and privileges of Abia residents.”
He explained that 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 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.”