Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Determined to end all forms of extortion and conversion of public funds into private pockets, Gov. Alex Otti has terminated all revenue collection contracts in Abia State.
The action according to the Governor and ex-banker, is part of the measures to sanitise activities around the transport sector and markets in the state.
Otti in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Kazie Uko, said “the termination is with immediate effect.”
The statement made available to Ikengaonline, directed the affected persons to return all Government property in their possession to the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue and Digital Transformation, immediately.
According to the the statement, “the Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue will advise further on the Government’s plan in this regard.”
Similarly, Gov. Otti has suspended payments from all unathorised channels, explaining that the action is for proper accountability and reporting.
“All payments are to be made through designated Bank Branches. Additional approved online and offline channels will be communicated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue and Digital Transformation.”
There has been public outcry against the extortionist tendencies of some revenue collectors in the state.
Traders especially hawkers at Isi Gate Umuahia as well as commercial drivers have always complained that they were forced to pay all manner of levies by revenue agents.
