By Chinaza Osigwe
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has warned against the collection of levies and taxes from ppetty traders in the state, citing the prevailing harsh economic conditions.The governor issued the warning while addressing a crowd of supporters during a rally at Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area.He urged local authorities and revenue collectors to desist from demanding any form of fees from traders with less than ₦100,000 capital, reiterating that his administration remains committed to protecting small-scale businesses.“Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody that goes ahead to disregard this.
Our government is committed to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders,” Soludo warned.The governor reminded residents that two years ago, his administration abolished all forms of taxation and levies for traders with wares worth less than ₦100,000, including hawkers, wheelbarrow pushers, and vulcanizers.Soludo also expressed gratitude to the people of Ekwulọbịa for their continued support, highlighting his administration’s social welfare programmes such as free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the less privileged.During the rally, members of the Ekwulọbịa community presented a cheque of ₦80 million to the governor and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, in support of their re-election campaign.
