By EHIGIMETOR IGBAUGBA

The Cross River State branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the state government to end alleged illegal taxation and harassment by alleged non-state actors in the state.

The community says the alleged practice is hurting businesses across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appeal was made on Thursday during an interactive session between the leadership of the community and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.

The meeting was attended by leaders of the Igbo community, including business operators and students.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Second Vice-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Agu Prince, alleged that various groups extorted traders through multiple illegal levies.

“These people, armed with receipt booklets, harass us daily, yet the government appears not to be doing anything about it.

“Our position remains that these people have the backing of some individuals in government because of the manner in which they operate,” he alleged.

Prince urged the government to dismantle the alleged illegal taxation network and decongest markets across the state, warning that overcrowding posed serious risks, particularly in the event of fire outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Financial Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, Mr Evan Mba, commended Gov. Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda.

Mba, however, appealed for improved road infrastructure, especially in the Northern Senatorial District.

According to him, a better road network will boost business activities and stimulate economic growth.

Similarly, the state Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dike Ejike, expressed concern over what he described as poor governance in the northern part of the state.

Ejike also expressed concerns over alleged reduction in the salaries of primary school teachers, while seeking explanations for such.

The President-General of the Cross River chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, appealed to the government to address the issues raised by members of the community.

Egwuonwu assured the government of the Igbo community’s continued support for the development of the state.

Responding, the APC Chairman in Cross River, Mr Chris Etta, assured the community that all the concerns raised would be conveyed to Gov. Bassey Otu.

Etta expressed gratitude that no participant raised concerns about insecurity, saying, ‘’The government has made significant progress in addressing security challenges in the state.’’

On the nation’s economy, he acknowledged the prevailing hardship, but attributed it to longstanding structural challenges.

“It is true that things are difficult and people are suffering, but these are problems that should have been addressed long ago.

“This government has taken the decision to tackle them, and with time, the reforms will yield positive results,” he said. (NAN)

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