Governor bans transport unions, targets illegal revenue collection
The Edo State government has announced a ban on transport unions and a private company, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, from collecting any form of revenue across the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, the government said the groups no longer have the authority to collect levies, taxes, or dues.
The decision follows a rise in illegal collections by unions acting under false pretenses.
Ikhilor noted that while some unions were previously allowed to assist the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), they had violated the strict conditions of their agreement.
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Their activities reportedly included “unauthorised cash collection, intimidation, extortion, and harassment of motorists and traders.”
As a result, the state has banned several groups indefinitely, including the NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel. “These groups, including Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, are no longer permitted to collect dues from any individual, driver or road user statewide,” Ikhilor stated.
He also highlighted that “credible reports indicate that Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd and its operatives have engaged in serious abuse of power, leading to widespread public extortion.”
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Governor Monday Okpebholo views these illegal activities as “economic sabotage and a grave threat to law, order, and public confidence in governance.” Ikhilor stressed that “intimidation of motorists or abuse in the name of revenue collection would no longer be tolerated under any circumstance in the state.”
Motorists and traders are advised not to comply with demands for cash from the banned unions. Citizens can report any illegal collection activities to the Edo Special Taskforce at 08038157126.
The state government has also authorized security agencies to “arrest and prosecute anyone or any group acting contrary to the governor’s directive immediately.”
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