Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The newly sworn in Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Council, Beloved-Dan Anike, has announced a total ban on all illegal revenue collections and the extortion of motorists on roads within the local government area.
Anike made this declaration as his first official action following his swearing-in and assumption of office on Monday. The move aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s executive order, which prohibits any form of obstruction along roads across Enugu State.
The affected routes include the Abakpa-Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road, the Emene-Abakaliki Expressway, and all major gateways and corridors within the local government area.
Announcing the directive, the Chairman stated: “Upon assuming office today as the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, my first assignment was signing a public notice that bans all activities of touts and unauthorised revenue collectors operating along the Abakpa-Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road, Emene-Abakaliki Expressway, and all gateways and major corridors within our local council.
“These individuals have been masquerading as revenue collectors and traffic officials.
“This is in strict compliance with Governor Peter Mbah’s executive order, which outlaws any obstruction along the roads in the state. We have officially declared a war on these human obstructions.
“After signing the order at the local government secretariat, following our official swearing-in ceremony, I made it clear that the era of gangsterism, hooliganism, and unlawful extortion is over in Enugu East LGA.
“All task forces and groups currently operating in the council area are directed to cease operations immediately. Those with valid permits or licenses from authorized government agencies are required to submit proof of authorisation to the council for profiling and certification. Any defaulters will face penalties as prescribed by law.
“With this order, we assure the public that my administration is committed to restoring order in Enugu East LGA and ensuring the protection of the rights and safety of all citizens.”
To ensure enforcement and compliance with the directive, Anike has also set up a seven-member enforcement committee led by Dr. Peter Aneke.
The committee also includes Alphonsus Nnamchi as Secretary and the five Divisional Police Officers within the local government area as members.
