No fewer than 1,000 traders in Awka, Anambra State, have staged a protest against what they termed ‘multiple taxation and extortion’ by illegal revenue agents.
The protesters carried placards of different inscriptions such as: ‘over taxation, Governor Save our souls’, ‘hard economic condition for street traders over multiple taxation’.
They marched through the road leading to Ekwueme Square and then to Government House, Awka.
The traders, who claimed they were paying their ASWAMA and Business Premises levies, lamented that they were also subjected to pay other fees such as Pollution, Fire Extinguisher, kiosk and street trading development level.
Leader of the protesters, Mr Anthony Ebogha said the various levies imposed on them were adversely affecting their businesses.
Mr Bright Nwachukwu from Iyiagu section said they were made to pay about 12 levies which were becoming unbearable.
Mr Emmanuel Okoye, another street trader, alleged that different people usually come to collect the same fees from them daily.
A dealer in Computer wares, Mr Joel Nwankwo at Arroma junction axis, noted that they embarked on the action to register their grievances over multiple levies.
A Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor on Project Management and Monitoring, Mr Kingsley Ezika and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Project Management, Mr Julius Ndibe said government had put measures in place to address the issue.
Addressing the protesting traders at the Government House, Awka, Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu promised that government would look into their demands with a view to addressing them.
Prof. Chukwulobelu stressed that the government was already harmonising fees payable by traders in all areas of Anambra State.
