Onitsha drug traders urge Anambra Governor Soludo to halt rising illegal revenue collections

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Drug traders at the Ogbogwu (drug) market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene in what they describe as escalating illegal revenue collections affecting their businesses.

The traders lamented that unauthorized levies have become rampant in the market, allegedly carried out by individuals linked to the market’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Chukwulota Ndubuisi, in collaboration with some officials of the Anambra State Revenue Collection Committee (CTC).

According to them, the activities have severely impacted their means of livelihood.

Speaking to journalists after a tense confrontation with CTC officials over the weekend, the traders alleged that they were being forced to pay a compulsory “company levy” of N65,000, along with additional security charges and other unapproved fees.

One of the traders, Mr. Emmanuel Ozoemenam, expressed frustration over the situation, noting that the continuous extortion was making business unbearable.

“We are being extorted every day. They forcefully collect N65,000 from us in the name of company levies. If this continues, many of us may be pushed out of business and back to our villages,” he said.

Ozoemenam also recounted a recent incident in which members of a watch night group allegedly acted on instructions from CTC leaders to enforce the collection of illegal levies in the market.

He appealed passionately to Governor Soludo to urgently step in and address what he described as worsening intimidation and exploitation.

However, in his response, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Chukwulota Ndubuisi, denied all allegations.

He stated that he had no knowledge of the accusations and promised to address the press at a later time.

“I know nothing about the allegations, but I will address the matter at the appropriate time,” he said.