APC chieftain asks Otti to review levies imposed on Aba traders

Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, has criticised Alex Otti, governor of Abia, over the “excessive” levies imposed on traders in Aba markets.

BACKGROUND

Some traders in Abia state recently appealed to Otti to intervene in what they described as the illegal demolition of their shops and the escalating cost of spaces in the market currently undergoing remodelling.

They said the firm handling the project has not fulfilled its agreement to provide temporary accommodation and halt further demolition until existing work is completed.

Barth Madubuko, grand patron of the Ekeoha market association, warned that many traders could lose their means of livelihood if the project continues as planned, and asked the state government to halt demolitions.

‘LEVY DOUBLED DESPITE CAMPAIGN PROMISES’

Ikonne alleged that traders in Ariaria, Ekeoha and other major markets were facing intimidation and economic hardship from government-appointed market leaders.

He said the levy, which Otti criticised during campaigns, has now been raised from N18,000 to N36,000.

Ikonne alleged that government enforcement teams seal shops at night and compel traders to pay before they can resume business.

The APC chieftain said those who attempted to reopen their shops without authorisation were harassed and forced to pay up to N45,000.

He described the actions as a “political weapon” against residents of the state.

“How can a governor who receives over ₦30 billion in monthly federal allocations turn around to strangulate ordinary traders struggling to feed their families? The current tax system is inhumane, unfair and unacceptable,” he said.

“I am worried that the present Abia state government has normalised the sealing of shops, indiscriminate arrests and humiliating treatment of Abians whose only crime is their inability to meet oppressive and inflated levies,” he said.

“The rate of molestation and intimidation by agents of this government is alarming.”

He urged the governor to withdraw security operatives from markets and review the policies affecting traders.

“Governor Otti must remember that leadership is about service, not punishment,” Ikonne added.