Ebonyi Govt arrests over 25 suspected illegal toll collectors

The Ebonyi State Government has arrested over 25 suspected persons involved in the illegal collection of tolls from motorists across the state.

Commissioner for Transportation Igboke Collins Emeka disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in his office on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

Igboke stated that the arrests were part of the state government’s broader efforts to address the issue of double taxation that has plagued motorists in the state.

“The government is trying to reduce the double taxation that motorists are passing through. We are working hard to make sure there is peace in the transport sector and for the people to have trust in what the current administration is doing,” he said.

The commissioner further explained that his office had taken proactive steps to identify and eliminate illegal toll collections.

“We went to the Board of Internal Revenue to furnish our office with the list of contractors awarded transport-related contracts. We then called a meeting with all contractors and local government representatives, ordering that any contractor involved in transport should register with us,” he said.

According to him, the ministry was able to identify nearly 27 illegal toll collection points.

“Some of them we have arrested and charged to prosecute. For those who have genuine contracts with government, we will also look at the revenue chart to know if what they are collecting matches what the revenue generation white paper is saying.

“For now, we have gained confidence from the transporters, they are happy with the way we are going,” he stated.

When asked about the potential introduction of electronic payment systems for internally generated revenue by motorists, Igboke stated that the decision rests with the Ministry of Finance.

“Our governor has a human face; he doesn’t force people to do what they don’t want to do. He gives everyone equal rights,” the commissioner said, noting that any such initiative would likely seek public input before implementation.

He further appealed to the public to be law-abiding in obeying the traffic regulations in the capital city, while urging Ebonyians to continue

supporting Governor Nwifuru’s administration for the benefit of the state.

“Let us give him that helping hand, support him in prayer, support him in all that he said we should do. I ask the people to believe in his government; the little he has done now is very great and he still has a lot to do for the people,” Igboke said.