The Anambra State Government has said that it is in possession of reports of the growing menace of gangs of people demanding and collecting money on the road from mostly travellers in the cities and towns, especially Onitsha, Obosi, Nnewi, Amasea, Ogidi, Nkpor among others pretending to be agents of the State Government.
A statement signed in Awka by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment; Mr. C. Don Adinuba stated that the illegal, violent and brazen activities of the gangs had resulted in serious security breaches and harassment of law-abiding citizens.
The statement added that none of the revenues so collected had ever been paid to the government or any of its agencies.
It stated that the Anambra State Government had decided to ban all forms of road revenue collection insisting that “no person should pay to anyone on the road claiming to be a state revenue agent or official “even as it advised that “People should resist such intimidation and extortion.”
“In fact, any person who purports to be a revenue officer or agent and demands payment on any of the roads in the state should be reported immediately to the nearest law enforcement officer. The name and where possible, the address of such a person should be provided quickly to the authorities. Pictures of such a person which are easy to capture in these days of smart phones should be provided too.
“All law enforcement agencies in the state, including the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) are directed to ensure the 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 directed to take this order very seriously and work in collaboration with government officials to provide security, joy and happiness to our people.
“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”, the statement further said.
Photo: Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.
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