Press release

Following reports of harassment of traders and other law abiding citizens by sundry persons masquerading as revenue collection agents at Aba and Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed that, with the exception of clearly identified staff of the Board of Internal Revenue, all purported revenue agents of the state and affected local governments should immediately stop collecting any form of payment in Aba and Umuahia till further notice.

The following persons have also been invited to a critically important meeting with the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on Monday, July 9, 2018, at the Governor’s lodge, Aba, at 9:00am

1. Chairmen of Aba North, Aba South, Ugwunagbo, Obingwa, Osisioma, Umuahia North, Umuahia South and Ikwuano local governments.

2. Commissioners for Trade & Investment, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Finance and Industry.

3. Global revenue consultant to Abia State Government and Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue.

4. Presidents of Association of International Traders (AIT), Ultimate Traders, Aba, Umuahia Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UCCIMA) and Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).

Security agents are hereby directed to arrest and prosecute any person or group of persons collecting revenue from traders at Aba and Umuahia.

Further directives on this matter shall be issued by the State Government in due course.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner For Information
6/7/18