Cross River State government has reassured protesting taxi drivers in the state that they were exempted from all forms of taxation and levies in the state.
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The secretary of the State’s Anti-Tax Agency, Rev. Father (Dr.) Julius Ada, who made this known in Calabar while addressing protesting taxi drivers against rising taxation and levies said very soon there would have a town hall meeting where all issues would be resolved.
Ada said, “the local government chairmen and other stakeholders would be involved so that we let them know that you are free from taxation, so we encourage you to do your best”.
He added: “Recently the Okada riders came out to fill the potholes to appreciate the governor for this kind gesture. So, you have the good intention of the government, the good intention of the governor and the people of Cross River State.
“We are representing all the local governments today and we are going to come out with what we call a brigade. The brigade will be in uniform and we will give them hotlines. So whenever you see them you call and they will take appropriate action against all those who are involved in tax illegality.
“The governor is so sad about the number of illegal checkpoints, illegal ticketing. The governor outrightly said no to ticketing. He established the anti-tax agency and says stop illegal tax collection, stops ticketing, and all illegal haulages, stop the molestation of the poor. Taxi drivers, you are free people, I want to thank you for this peaceful demonstration, do not be people that will bring trouble to the state.”
Reacting, the spokesperson of the Drivers Association and the unit chairman of the association at the stadium, Emmanuel Chukwu, said they were not protesting against ticketing alone but against a new team that has been extorting money from the drivers.
“Why we are here is not for ticketing alone, we are here because we have a team that has been extorting money from our members and we don’t know where they come from.
“When you park your vehicle, they will double-cross you. I have experienced it severally in my unit and I have gone to their office to talk to them. One of my drivers paid more than N70,000 at their office at the Cultural Centre.
“We have gone to the commissioners for transport and environment. We have gone to DOPT. They have been trying to extort money from us and this has given us sleepless nights. So beg the government that drivers are also in the chains of production, without the driver there will be no road. We want the government to hear our voice.
Expressing his anger, a driver, Akpobi Promise, said the government should move strongly against the miscreants who have been making life unbearable for the people.
“We have been very law-abiding. We don’t want any theoretical expression but a practical expression. Enforcement has been set up so they must come to the field and do their work because those boys that are out there are not invisible.
“It is only when we come out like this that they will come and say they are taking proactive measures. So we urge the government to live up to their responsibilities,” he stated.
Recall that the Drivers Association on Monday stormed the streets of Calabar metropolis protesting against illegal tolls, levies and taxation by the uniformed task force.
The protesters numbering over 100 marched through Mary Slessor Avenue by Calabar Road at about 8 am singing solidarity songs to register their displeasure over the illegal collections.
