By: Isaac Ojo
Consequent on many allegations of abuse of process by revenue collectors, the Anambra State government has banned the collection of revenue on roads.
This fact was contained in a press release signed by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C.Don Adinuba.
Adinuba said that the government has received reports of the growing menace of gangs of people demanding and collecting money on the road from mostly travellers in our cities and towns, especially Onitsha, Obosi, Nnewi, Amasea, Ogidi, Nkpor, etc, who pretend to be agents of the State Government.
He said that their illegal, violent and brazen activities have resulted in serious security breaches and harassment of law-abiding citizens.
The commissioner said that none of the revenues so collected has ever been paid to the government or any of its agencies.
The ban on revenue collection on roads according to Adinuba is with immediate effect even as he urged the people not to pay revenue to anyone on the road claiming to be a state revenue agent or official.
Adinuba tasked the people to resist such intimidation and extortion and report any person who purports to be a revenue officer or agent and demands payment on any of the roads in the state to the nearest law enforcement officer.
He said name and, where possible, the address of such a person should be provided quickly to the authorities and that pictures of such a person be captured which has been made easy with the use of smart phones.
The government by the press release directed all law enforcement agencies in the state, including the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) to ensure strict implementation of the decision on the ban on revenue collection on all the roads in the state.
All market and transport union leaders are also directed to take this order very seriously and work in collaboration with government officials to provide security, joy and happiness to our people.
He said Anambra state is governed by law and order, and the Governor Willie Obiano Administration will not brook any attempt by gangs of lawless and self-serving elements to make life miserable for Ndi Anambra, especially in this Christmas Season.
It would be recalled that the commercial city of Onitsha was thrown into pandemonium yesterday after some acclaimed government revenue collectors pursued a truck until it crashed leading to the untimely death of the driver.
