Abia Gov., Otti directs immediate suspension of transport levies over alleged extortion

Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, on Wednesday, directed the suspension of all transport levies hitherto imposed on tricycles (keke), buses, taxis and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, saying the move was a sequel to the governor’s campaign promises, where he pledged to review the alleged extortion in the levy collection.

The statement added that the suspension would remain until the new administration “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”.