Ikonne Accuses Otti of Targeting Aba Traders

An APC chieftain in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has raised strong concerns over what he describes as a harsh clampdown on traders in Aba under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

His reaction followed reports of late-night operations carried out by government-backed teams across major markets.

The warning came from Abuja in a statement issued by his media aide, where he criticised the growing tension in Aba’s commercial centres. He said traders in Ariaria and other markets now face constant harassment, extortion, and fear as officials enforce new rules with force.

Attention shifted to tax demands, which Ikonne said have worsened the situation. He recalled that Otti once rejected a previous N18,000 levy during campaigns but later doubled it to N36,000 after taking office. According to him, this steep increase has left many small business owners unable to keep up.

Accounts from the affected markets detailed how enforcement teams reportedly move around at night to seal shops belonging to those who struggle to pay the new rates. By morning, traders must either settle the levy or risk harsher sanctions. Some who attempt to reopen their shops without approval have allegedly faced intimidation and physical abuse from task force members and security personnel.

Reports also indicated that detained traders often pay up to N45,000 before regaining access to their goods. Ikonne questioned why traders already battling tough economic conditions should face such pressure when the state receives substantial federal allocations.

He argued that tax systems should be fair and mindful of present hardships. When levies become excessive, unpredictable, and enforced with aggression, he said, they place undue strain on people already struggling to survive.

Ikonne concluded by warning that no democratic society should allow such treatment of its citizens. He urged the Abia State government to reconsider its approach, stressing that leadership should be built on service and not fear.