Just recently, not less than four protests have been staged in Aba, the Enyimba city by various market associations and groups over issues arising from multiple taxation and imposition of some policies that negate the common interest of their members.
Our source gatheredthat the first of its kind was the peaceful protest staged by members of the butchers association spear headed by the waterside branch at the popular“Ahia-Udele” market which was in response to the imposition of a mandatory daily purchase of polythene bags at the cost of ₦200 each for any part of cow or goat meat they purchased in wholesale by officials working for government. The meat dealers argued that if they should comply with such policy, there is a tendency that it would add to the cost of beef they sell to the direct or indirect consumers which would on the long run affect their sales output. The angry meat dealers could be seen marching along the Ikot-Ekpene road down to Opobo road in the Ogbor-hill axis of Aba.
In a similardevelopment, the traders at the famous Ekeoha market also got furious over the illegal demolition of shops and immediate reconstruction of new ones which they frowned at. Information gathered from one of the traders, Mr. Uchenna is that the policy is aimed pushing them out from the market since there was no notice of eviction.
The tricycle and mini bus (a.k.a oke-beke) operators who always complained about police extortion are not left out in the protest. They complained over multiple tax by the daily ticket agents.
Our source gatheredthat the ticket which sold formerly at a daily cost of ₦400 now sells for N600. Mr. Uchenna Chima, a transport operator who spoke to our correspondent narrated that those who force them to pay the sum of ₦600 daily do not consider theirplight with the rising cost living. According to him, an average mini-bus driver pays not less than ₦160,000 per annum on tickets which by far exceed seven what a top class civil servant pays as tax. He enumerated the challenges they face to include police extortion of ₦50 at each check point, bad roads, high cost of spare parts and other illegal levies by the union’s representatives.
The resultant effects of these protests numerous. The butchers decided to suspend killing of cows and goats and fresh meat became scarce. The textile dealers at Ekoha market refused to sell. Meanwhile, the police are busy witch hunting motorcycle operators (a.k.a Okada) in the suburb of Obingwa L.G.A. One of the Okada riders who pleaded anonymity had one plea which was channelled to the Abia state governor “please tell the police to let usbe.” According to him, they were into the motorcycle business because they have families to feed and do not want to engage in stealing as a means oflivelihood.
However, in a Magic FM radio live chat, the Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (Phd) advised the general public to exercise patience until the government evolves a consolidated revenue collection mechanism that will address the issue multiple taxation in the state.
