Igbo community raises alarm over illegal taxation in Cross River

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Demands crackdown on non-state actors

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By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

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The Igbo community in Cross River State has raised the alarm over alleged illegal taxation and daily harassment by non-state actors, warning that the situation is crippling businesses across the state.

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The concerns were raised during an interactive session involving leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, businessmen, Igbo women, student leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar on Thursday.

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The community also lamented the poor condition of roads, which it said was affecting commercial activities.

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Speakers at the meeting, however, commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for tackling insecurity and creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community, including appointing some of its members into government.

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On illegal taxation, the 2nd Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Agu Prince, said multiple levies imposed by unidentified groups were placing a heavy burden on Igbo-owned businesses.

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He alleged that the groups moved around with receipts, harassing traders daily, and called on the government to urgently intervene.

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“These people, armed with receipts, harass us on a daily basis, and the government seems not to be doing anything about it.

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“Our position remains that these people have the backing of some persons in government because of the way and manner they operate,” he said.

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Prince also urged the state government to decongest markets across the state, warning that overcrowding could increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

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The Financial Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, Mr Evan Mba, acknowledged that the Igbo community had benefited from Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” administration but appealed for improved road infrastructure, especially in the Northern Senatorial District.

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He said better roads would enhance trade and economic activities across the state.

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The State Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dike Ejike, expressed concern over what he described as poor governance in the northern senatorial district and demanded explanations over the reduction in primary school teachers’ salaries.

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President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, appealed to the state government to address the community’s concerns, while assuring that the Igbo community remained committed to the development of the state.

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Responding, APC Chairman in Cross River State, Mr Chris Etta, promised to present the concerns to Governor Otu.

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Etta expressed satisfaction that insecurity was not raised as a major concern at the meeting, adding that the government was aware of the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

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“It is true that things are bad and that we are suffering, but the opposition parties will never tell you how we got here.

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“Nigeria had the opportunity to fix its problems but missed such opportunities, and this government has taken the decision to address them.

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“It is only a matter of time before these challenges usher in good tidings,” he said.

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