The recent protest by members of the Tile Dealers Association in Abakaliki has brought significant attention to the grievances of traders regarding excessive financial levies. The protest, which took place at the Ebonyi Integrated Building Materials Market, was sparked by a N30,000 levy imposed per shop and a N35,000 penalty for late payment. Traders have expressed that these charges are not only excessive but also lack transparency.
Chairman Augustine Ene articulated the traders’ frustrations, describing the charges as arbitrary and disproportionate. He emphasized that attempts to seek clarification on how these funds are utilized have often been met with hostility from the authorities.
During the protest, traders carried placards with messages such as “We No Go Gree” and “End Bad Governance,” reflecting their determination to challenge what they perceive as unjust financial impositions. Additionally, there are allegations that the leadership has sealed shops belonging to those who have defaulted on payments without following due process.
In a related development, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has encouraged parents and candidates to protest if they are denied admission despite having valid UTME scores. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB registrar, stated that the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) ensures transparency in admissions, and since its implementation in 2017, there have been no reported issues.
JAMB’s call to action comes amidst rising concerns over admissions fraud, with 77 arrests reported in connection with such cases. This highlights the ongoing challenges within the educational sector and the importance of transparency in both financial and academic processes.
Traders have a right to know how their contributions are being used and should not be subjected to financial impositions without clear justification. The current situation in Abakaliki serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in governance.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the traders’ demands and whether further protests will occur. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential resolutions or changes to the imposed levies.