The Abia State Governor Alex Otti suspends Abia transport levies

This was said on Wednesday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the special assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity.

He claimed that the instruction was in keeping with the governor's campaign vow to sanitize revenue collecting practices in the state and put an end to all forms of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists.

"The governor has directed the immediate suspension of all types of transport levies payable to the Abia state government and imposed on tricycles (keke), buses, taxis, and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads," according to the statement.

"This suspension is effective immediately and will continue until the government reviews these levies and makes public its arrangements for the smooth, organized, and transparent collection of such transport levies in a manner that does not result in extortion, intimidation, or violation of Abia residents' rights and privileges."

"The government believes that the current method is archaic and very harmful to people's lives and the state's economic well-being, and that it should not be allowed to continue."

"In light of the above decision, the governor has asked all those involved, directly and indirectly, to please cease and desist immediately, or face the wrath of the law, as security agents have been briefed and directed to apprehend and prosecute anyone found violating this directive."