The Imo State Governor, Senator, Hope Uzodinma, has banned all unauthorized levy collection taskforces in the State. This was made known in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, Comrade Oguwuike Nwachukwu.
The Chief Press Secretary in the release dated August,10,2023,stated that all persons or groups involved in the reckless collection of levies in the State without the authorization of the State government have been asked to desist forthwith or have themselves to blame, adding that the consequences will be enormous for those who engage in such acts as the government is no longer prepared to tolerate acts that smear her image.
He further stated that where these acts have persisted most are in the haulage /truck collection both day and night, businesses, the Owerri Municipal daily ticketing in the Motor parks and markets. Also included are those who go after traffic offenders, among others.
The Governor however stated that there have been 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.
He made it clear that the only authorized body in the State that is charged with the responsibility of collecting levies, penalties and other revenues for the government is the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS).Hence, any other ministry or agencies involved in the act should desist in order to avoid the consequences.
