Council Chairman prohibits illegal revenue collection and road extortion in Enugu

Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, has imposed a complete ban on all illegal revenue collection and extortion of motorists within the region. This decision marks his first official action after being sworn in on Monday.

The ban is in line with an executive order from Governor Peter Mbah that prohibits any obstructions on roads throughout Enugu State.

The affected routes include the Abakpa-Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road, the Emene-Abakaliki Expressway, and all major access points within the local government area.

In his announcement, Anike stated, “As the new Executive Chairman of Enugu East, my first task was to sign a public notice banning the activities of unauthorized revenue collectors and touts along the Abakpa-Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road, Emene-Abakaliki Expressway, and all major corridors in our area. These individuals have falsely posed as revenue collectors and traffic officials.”

He emphasized that this action is in strict adherence to Governor Mbah’s order against road obstructions, declaring, “We have officially declared a war on these human impediments.”

After signing the order at the local government secretariat following his swearing-in ceremony, Anike declared the end of “gangsterism, hooliganism, and unlawful extortion” in Enugu East LGA. He instructed all task forces and groups operating in the area to halt their activities immediately. Those with legitimate permits from authorized government bodies must provide proof of their authorization to the council for verification. Any violators will face legal consequences.

“With this order, we are committed to restoring order in Enugu East LGA and safeguarding the rights and safety of all residents,” Anike assured the public.

To oversee the implementation of this directive, Anike has established a seven-member enforcement committee, led by Dr. Peter Aneke, which includes Alphonsus Nnamchi as Secretary and the five Divisional Police Officers from the local government area as members.