Soludo warns against levies on petty traders in Anambra

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has urged local authorities to stop collecting levies from petty traders in the state.

Christian Aburime, spokesman of the governor, said in a statement that the directive came after Soludo’s visit to Eke market in Awgbu where he observed that traders with less than N100,000 capital were still being taxed despite a government ban.

The governor stated that his administration would arrest anyone who disregards the order.

“Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody that goes ahead to disregard this,” Soludo said.

The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Ekwulọbịa for their support, describing the rally as “a people’s movement”.

Soludo also recalled how Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra, had designated Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulọbịa as cities, but noted that Ekwulọbịa had been overlooked in development plans.

“To become a real city, Ekwulọbịa requires serious planning,” he said.

He proposed the establishment of a dedicated committee on town planning to facilitate growth.

The governor restated his administration’s commitment to social welfare, including free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the underprivileged.

He commended the Ekwulọbịa community for its resilience in the face of challenges.

Joseph Okafor, a community leader, praised the governor for what he described as “remarkable feats in just three years”.

“Mr. Governor, you have achieved remarkable feats in just three years, not only in Aguata but across Anambra as well. We are truly thankful for your efforts,” Okafor said.

Chibueze Offorbike, mayor of Aguata LGA, also hailed Soludo’s achievements.

“We have transformed from a rural to a semi-urban and now an urban local government area, courtesy of Governor Soludo,” Offorbike said.

“Thank you for making us proud. We assure you of our commitment from the wards to the polling units.”

Other speakers at the rally commended the governor for his “transformational strides” in Ekwulọbịa and across the state.