Tricycle operators, popularly known as ‘KeKe riders’, in Anambra State have protested what they termed multiple taxation in the State.
This is as the operators have petitioned the State House of Assembly, asking to saved from the multiple levies being imposed on them by the State Government.
According to the operators, the multiple tax collectors continue to claim they were acting on behalf of the government. This, they noted is in spite of a directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
The Governor had stated a fixed amount to be paid by the tricycle operators.
The petition by the Keke operators was mentioned during a sitting of the Anambra State House Committee on Public Petitions.
Appearing before the Committee at the conference hall of the legislative complex in Awka, Chairman of the tricycle riders, Chidozie Okafor expressed disappointment at the development.
He stated that they had written to the Commissioner for Transport, but expressed disappointment that no action was taken to address their plight.
Okafor, therefore, stated that they are asking the lawmakers to come to their aid.
He explained that each tricycle rider is required to pay at least N2,400 to unauthorised individuals. Who pose as government agents.
The Chairman added that they still paid the official fee of N2,000 weekly, as approved by the Governor.
The Secretary of the Keke riders, Comrade Johnson Eze, also lamented the development. He claimed that even when they reported the illegal collectors (commonly referred to as touts) to the government’s anti-tout agency, the suspects manage to return to the streets within a day,l. Thus, leaving the riders feeling helpless and vulnerable.
He stated that the operators are appealing to the lawmakers to intervene and ensure their safety.
The Secretary, therefore, urged the lawmakers to address the issue promptly.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Igwe Buike, reacting to the petition expressed ignorance of the double taxation.
She had previously told the Committee that she was unaware of the ongoing practice of multiple taxation.