"We Are Being Choked" – Igbo Community Raises Alarm Over Illegal Taxes in Cross River

The Igbo community in Cross River State has raised serious concerns over what it described as illegal taxation and constant harassment by individuals and groups allegedly collecting unauthorized levies from traders and business owners across the state. The association warned that the growing situation is making it increasingly difficult for many businesses to survive. 

The concerns were made known during an interactive meeting in Calabar attended by leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, businessmen and women, student representatives, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Participants at the meeting said traders are being forced to pay different kinds of unofficial taxes and levies to non-state actors, a situation they believe is discouraging investment and affecting economic activities. 

Speaking during the meeting, the Financial Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, Mr. Evan Mba, acknowledged that Governor Bassey Otu's administration has improved security and created a friendlier environment for the Igbo community. He also appreciated the governor for appointing members of the Igbo community into government positions. However, he appealed to the government to improve road infrastructure, especially in the Northern Senatorial District, saying better roads would boost commerce and make transportation easier for businesses. 

Also speaking, the State Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dike Ejike, expressed concern over governance issues in the Northern Senatorial District and called for explanations over the reported reduction in the salaries of primary school teachers. He urged the authorities to address the concerns to improve the welfare of residents. 

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Cross River, High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu, appealed to the state government to urgently look into the issues raised by the community, especially the alleged illegal taxation and poor road network. He assured that the Igbo community remains committed to contributing to the peace, unity and economic development of Cross River State. 

The community is now calling on relevant government agencies and security authorities to investigate the activities of those allegedly collecting illegal levies and ensure that legitimate businesses can operate without intimidation or unlawful taxation.

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