From Princely Onyenwe
IMO: Uzodinma has banned all Non Authorized levy collection TaskForces operating in the state and has asked for immediate enforcement and regulations forthwith.
In a release signed by Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor and made available to the Press stated that all persons or groups involved in the reckless collection of levies in Imo State without the strict authorisation of the governor have been asked to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame.
Governor Hope Uzodinma said the consequences that await the refusal of those involved in such acts are huge because his government is no longer prepared to tolerate acts that smear her image.
Governor Uzodinma is particularly concerned about reports of individuals, groups and even political appointees, who harass members of the public under the guise of taskforces and use same to collect levies and impose penalties that are both illegal and criminal.
The Governor insists that the only authorised body in Imo State charged with the responsibility of collecting levies, penalties and other revenues for the government remains the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS).
He has therefore warned that anyone caught in the web of further illegal collections, including political appointees, will face the music squarely, regardless of who the person is.
The areas where the madness over collection of levies, penalties and other fees has taken a worrisome dimension and have caught the attention of the Governor are in the haulage/ truck collections (both day and night) businesses, the municipal daily ticketing in the parks and markets, those going after transportation traffic offenders, among others.
While the ministries and agencies involved in the act have been directed to desist from further collection of such levies, penalties and fees, Governor Uzodinma said anyone (political appointees inclusive) or group that decides to taste his will on such illegalities by way of ignoring his directive may have to face consequences.
Imolites have applauded this regulation order on taskforce agents and asked that the Governor will sustain this tempo to stop serial collection of levies in Imo state Nigeria.
9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526
