REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Abia state government says it will embark on fight against extortion and restore law and order across the state.
Governor Alex Otti stated this when he received members of the Abia Shippers Association, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Olo Onuma, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti expressed deep concern and directed his Chief of Staff to investigate the menace to forestall such incidents.
While responding to complaints by the association over alleged extortion by hoodlums and individuals posing as security operatives, the Governor urged members of the business community to promptly report cases of harassment, illegal sealing of warehouses and extortion by relevant government agencies.
On the proposed Abia Inland Dry Port, Governor Otti described the project as critical pointing out that the absence of affordable and efficient transport infrastructure, especially rail connectivity has posed great a challenge to the success of the project.
Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abia State Shippers Association, Chief Olo Onuma, commended the Governor for what he described as remarkable achievements within a short period and appealed for government intervention to ensure the operational of the Abia Dry Port project.
Chief Onuma decried the increasing activities of hoodlums and extortionists against members of the association in the state and called on the government to expedite action in addressing the persistent extortion from traders and warehouse operators especially in Aba.
He said that the association’s members, including artisans, fabric dealers, shoe and bag makers, had continued to suffer financial losses due to the activities of hoodlums and impostors.
