Imo governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has banned all persons or groups involved in the reckless collection of levies in the state without his authorisation.
Uzodimma, who disclosed this on Friday in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oguwuike Nwachukwu, said the consequences that await the refusal of those involved in such acts are enormous.
The governor insisted that the only authorised body charged with the responsibility of collecting levies, penalties and other revenues for the government remains the Imo State Internal Revenue Service.
He, therefore, warned that anyone caught in the web of further illegal collections, including political appointees, will face the music squarely, regardless of who the person is.
Uzodimma maintained that “The areas where the madness over collection of levies, penalties and other fees has taken a worrisome dimension and brought to his attention are in the haulage/ truck collections (both day and night) businesses, the municipal daily ticketing in the parks and markets, those going after transportation traffic offenders, among others.
“While the ministries and agencies involved in the act have been directed to desist from further collection of such levies, penalties and fees (political appointees inclusive) or group that decides to test my will on such illegalities by ignoring this directive may have to face the consequences.”
