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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Government, yesterday, banned the activities of transport unions in the state and barred them from collection of government revenues with immediate effect.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor,the Government said, “Specifically, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel, are hereby banned with immediate effect. These unions are not authorized to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.
“This ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance. Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.
“The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.
“All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.
“The government has observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations under various guises across the State, adding that It has become clear that some of these groups, previously given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms, have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.
“The government has therefore, warned that no individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
“Besides, it strongly advised motorists, drivers, and road users not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by the banned entities but to report any illegal activity to the Edo State Special Taskforce.
“The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.”
Meanwhile, Officials of the state government have arrested 10 individuals for illegally extorting money from drivers, traders, and market women.The arrest followed their refusal to adhere to the State’s official ban on unauthorized revenue collection in a move meant to cleanse the revenue collection system.The arrest, which took place across several locations in Benin City, followed the Governor’s earlier directive banning the NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd. from revenue collection.
According to the Edo State Government, the affected unions had flagrantly violated the conditions under which they were permitted to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).
Instead of adhering to the State’s mandate against cash collections, they resorted to extortion, harassment, and intimidation, culminating in acts of violence such as the reported assault on a commercial driver who refused to yield to illegal demands.
Speaking on the State’s position, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor emphasized that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting the people of the state from oppression and economic exploitation.
“The Governor is a responsible and proactive leader. As soon as negative reports reached him about the activities of these unions, he acted swiftly by suspending their operations,” Ikhilor said.
He recalled that the Government had earlier lifted a temporary suspension on some of these unions, permitting them to operate under limited authorization and strict collaboration with EIRS, with the clear directive that no cash collections were allowed. Unfortunately, these directives were disregarded.
“The only agency now authorized to collect Government revenue is the EIRS, working in coordination with Local Government authorities and designated agents using Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. No cash is to be collected under any circumstance,” the SSG reiterated.
Ikhilor confirmed that some defaulters had been arrested while still engaged in illegal activities, including one who allegedly assaulted a driver for resisting extortion.
“He will serve as a deterrent. He is currently in police custody and will be charged in court within the next 24 to 72 hours,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Governor has directed all State Task Force members, including the Anti-Cultism Taskforce and others, to collaborate in enforcing the ban until the system is fully cleansed of illegal practices.
“This administration will not tolerate oppression or the exploitation of our people. We urge all citizens, especially market women, drivers, and traders, to report any unauthorized revenue collection through the designated helpline. The Governor means well for the people and wants a fair and just system,” he stressed.
To bolster public awareness, the State has produced radio jingles to consistently inform the public of the Government’s policy, warning that ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.
The enforcement raid was led by the Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor, who confirmed the arrest of 10 individuals from various flashpoints in the metropolis.
“We responded to reports from multiple locations including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market. We found individuals collecting cash from traders and road users despite the statewide ban,” SP Anetor said.
He noted that the arrests at Oka Market were met with jubilation from market women and traders who expressed relief after enduring years of intimidation.
“All suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution. This is only the beginning. The operation will continue until all violators are flushed out and the revenue system is fully sanitized,” he assured.
