The All Progressives Congress, APC, Abia State Chapter, has condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt by the Abia State Government to further increase the cost of transportation through the imposition of multiple daily levies totaling ₦11,800 on each commercial vehicle.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Aguoru, the party said the government is also compelling transport operators to vacate their existing locations for a facility “incapable of accommodating their fleets.”
“While it is not the responsibility of the opposition to dictate to the government how it should run its affairs, we have a duty to fight against policies designed to inflict further hardship on the people,” the statement read.
The APC faulted the levy structure “Forcing commercial transport operators to pay ₦6,000 as motor park levy, ₦3,500 for manifest, ₦1,800 as daily online levy, and an additional ₦500 daily toll per vehicle, saying it is not only insensitive but amounts to economic oppression.”
The party said when transport unions raised concerns during a private meeting that the charges would lead to higher fares, “the government advised them to transfer the burden directly to the passengers through further fare increases.”
“This response exposes the hypocrisy of an administration that constantly portrays itself as people-oriented while implementing policies that worsen the living conditions of ordinary citizens,” the statement added.
The APC said Abia currently ranks among states with high unemployment, yet “rather than addressing this challenge, the Alex Otti government has continued to pursue policies that worsen the economic situation of the average Abian.”
The party also accused the administration of “failing to fully implement the approved minimum wage for civil servants, withholding pension and gratuity payments owed to retirees, and recently banning commercial motorcycles in several areas without first providing adequate alternative means of transportation.”
“These actions have combined to increase unemployment, reduce incomes, and deepen hardship across the state,” the APC stated.
The party therefore called on Governor Alex Otti to “immediately reverse these excessive levies and abandon any policy that will further increase transportation costs in the state.”
“The people of Abia have suffered enough. They deserve compassion, economic relief, and a government that places their welfare above selfish revenue targets,” the statement said.
“History has shown that governments that ignore the cries of the people eventually face the verdict of the electorate. The APC remains resolute and committed to standing with the people of Abia and will continue to fight against policies that undermine their welfare, living standard and prosperity.”
Abia APC Rejects “Wicked” Transport Levies, Demands Immediate Reversal
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