Abia Govt Frowns at Late Gate Fee at Ariaria Market, Says No Unauthorised Payment

Abia State Government has frowned at the continuous extortion of traders by some persons at the Ariaria International Market tagged ‘late fee’ at the gate of the market on Friday, 9th June 2023.

A government special announcement made by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Commerce, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu on Sunday warned that government will not allow unauthorized payments.

Part of the statement reads, ‘Abia state government has noted with dismay the activities of some persons who resorted to extorting traders at the Ariaria International Market on Friday 9th June 2023, through the imposition of Hundred Naira Late Fee at the gate of the market.

The government views this flagrant act of disobedience as provocative because it runs contrary to what the present government preaches and stands for, and therefore wishes to call on those involved in this act to desist forthwith and turn a new leaf in their interest.’

The statement reveals that the government was initiating policies that are geared towards reducing the hardship and suffering of the people.

‘Government is very conscious of the present economic hardship in the country and is working assiduously to initiate policies and programs that would help ameliorate such hardship, and thus would not want to add to the suffering of the people through the imposition of unreasonable levies.’

Speaking with some traders at the market, Newsleverage discovered that an N100 was collected from traders by market officials at the entrance of the markets over lateness to leave the market each day.