sBy Ifeizu JoeAnambra State government has warned against collecting taxes from Petty Traders in the state, citing harsh economy.The Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, gave the warning while addressing a crowd of supporters in a rally at Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.The Governor cautioned local authorities to desist from collecting fees from those poor traders. The warning followed his visit to Eke Awgbu Market where he found out that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than N100,000 capital, against government directive.Soludo warned: “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.”Recall that Soludo had, two years ago, abolished collecting taxes from traders with wares worth less than N100,000. He also abolished all forms of tickets to Barrow pushers, hawkers, vulcanizers and others.Speaking to his supporters, the governor expressed gratitude for the community’s support to his government. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to social welfare, with a mention of the free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the underprivileged.He also took a moment to commend the Ekwulọbịa community for its resilience and support in the face of challenges.A cheque of N80million received as donations from prominent sons of Ekwulobia was presented to the governor and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to support their re-election bid.
