Anambra State Government through the State Internal Revenue Service, has inaugurated the sale of 2023 emblem at Onitsha.

 

The ceremony was performed by the Executive Director, Operations of the Service, Dr Christian Madubuko on behalf of the Acting Chairman.

 

The inaugural ceremony commences the sale of the emblems for 2023 which will be purchased by commercial vehicle including tricycle operators.

 

The emblem is consolidated for state and local governments .

 

Addressing the officials recruited for the sale, Dr Madubuko cautioned against fraudulent practices including faking the emblem to divert government revenues , stressing that their core mandate is to enthrone sanity and not to constitute problems, asking them not to sell above government price.

Dr Madubuko disclosed that the emblem is to sell at five thousand naira only at the office and during enforcement anyone caught will pay twelve thousand naira.

 

He noted that the agency will monitor them so as to ensure that they did not go against the rule and anyone found guilty, will be sanctioned.

 

He reminded them of the need to generate money for government for its services.

Later, the Operations Unit carried out revenue drive at Onitsha and environs as well as Omasi- Adani-Uzo Uwani-road in Ayamelum Local Government Area where they arrested about ten persons suspected of diversion of revenue and bullying drivers plying the road.

 

The suspects according to their confessions were employed by prominent individuals in the state to work for them despite the present administration’s warning against such activity.

 

Two of the drivers, Messers Chukwunonso Okeji and Cosmos Okechi said that they are facing difficulties on the road as they are forced to buy all manner of papers and emblems costing at least one thousand naira with a threat that if they refuse, their buses will be seized and destroyed

 

When interviewed, one of the suspects, Mr Willie Anozie from Ogbaru, said he is the leader of Ogbaru Local Government Volunteer Taskforce that enforces against extortion but was surprised when someone they punished for extorting from others mentioned his name as being involved in the act.