By Jude Michael
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has warned against collecting taxes from Petty Traders in the state, citing harsh economy.
Soludo gave the warning while addressing a crowd of supporters at a rally in Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor who urged local authorities to refrain from collecting fees from poor traders, made the call after a visit to Eke Market in Awgbu where he observed that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than N100,000 capital against government directive.
He said: ‘Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody that goes ahead to disregard this. Our government is committed to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders.’
Soludo had two years ago abolished taxes from traders with wares worth less than N100,000. He also abolished all forms of tickets to barrow pushers, hawkers, vulcanizers and others.
Speaking to his supporters, the governor expressed gratitude for the community’s support to his government, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to social welfare, with a mention of the free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the underprivileged.
He also took a moment to commend the Ekwulọbịa Community for what he described as its resilience and support in the face of challenges.
A cheque of N80 million received as donations from prominent sons of Ekwulobia was presented to the governor and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to support their campaign.
