ABUJA – Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday suspended activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT and Drivers on Wheel from collecting any dues, levies, taxes or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in the State.
The governor also suspended the activities of the Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, from enforcing compliance of payment of taxes and levies in the state.
The private firm is reportedly owned by the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Youth Chairman, Tony Kabaka.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor where Governor Okpebholo said the suspended union were given limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms.
The statement said the unions ‘grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.”
“Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.
“The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order.
“The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.
“All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.
“No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users,” the statement noted.
It strongly advised all motorists, drivers, and road users “not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.”
The concerned persons have also been directed to report any of such illegal activity immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.
“The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.
“Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-loving Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation.
“Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you,” the statement added.