The Igbo community in Cross River State has raised concerns over what it described as illegal taxation and harassment by non-state actors, calling on the state government to clamp down on those allegedly imposing multiple levies on businesses.
The concerns were raised on Monday during an interactive session between the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, members of the business community, women and student groups, and officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.
The community also complained about the poor condition of roads in parts of the state, saying it was affecting commercial activities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Second Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Agu Prince, alleged that unidentified groups had continued to impose illegal taxes on traders, claiming their activities were threatening the survival of many businesses.
According to him, the groups operate with receipt booklets and harass traders daily.
‘Our position remains that these people have the backing of some persons in government because of the way and manner they go about this,’ he said.
Prince also urged the state government to decongest markets, warning that overcrowding had increased the risk of fire outbreaks.
The Financial Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, Mr Evan Mba, commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for its inclusive approach but appealed for the rehabilitation of roads, particularly in the Northern Senatorial District, to facilitate business activities and economic growth.
Also speaking, the state Secretary of the group, Chief Dike Ejike, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate government presence in the Northern Senatorial District and called for clarification over the reported reduction in the salaries of primary school teachers.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, appealed to the state government to address the community’s grievances while reaffirming the commitment of the Igbo community to the development of the state.
The community, however, commended the Otu administration for its efforts in tackling insecurity and fostering peaceful coexistence, noting that members of the Igbo community had continued to feel welcomed in the state.
Responding, the Cross River State Chairman of the APC, Mr Christopher Etta, assured the gathering that their concerns would be conveyed to Governor Otu.
He expressed satisfaction that no security-related complaints were raised at the meeting and attributed the country’s current economic challenges to long-standing structural problems.
‘It is true that things are difficult, but the reforms being implemented are aimed at addressing challenges that should have been tackled years ago. It is only a matter of time before the country begins to reap the benefits,’ Etta said.