Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is facing intense criticism following accusations that his administration is imposing harsh and unjustifiable levies on traders in the commercial city of Aba. The situation, described by a prominent opposition figure as "tyranny," involves night raids, shop sealing, and forced payments that have left business owners in distress.
Market Clampdown and Soaring Levies
Prince Paul Ikonne, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has publicly condemned the actions of officials appointed by Governor Otti. In a statement made available on Monday, December 1, 2025, Ikonne detailed a troubling pattern of intimidation and extortion in major markets like Ariaria.
He revealed that the state government, which had previously criticized an N18,000 market levy under the past administration, has now approved a charge of N36,000. This sudden doubling of the fee comes at a time when traders are already struggling with Nigeria's difficult economic climate.
However, reports from the markets indicate that the actual amount demanded from traders has skyrocketed even further. Many are being compelled to pay sums as high as N45,000 to regain access to their sealed business premises.
Night Raids and Trader Brutalization
The enforcement of this controversial levy has taken a severe and aggressive turn. According to multiple accounts, government-backed operatives now conduct raids under the cover of darkness.
Traders return in the morning to find their shops locked with government seals, a tactic used to force compliance. Attempts to resist or question this process have reportedly led to assaults, with witnesses confirming the involvement of security personnel, including police and naval operatives, alongside alleged thugs.
"This is not governance; this is tyranny," Prince Paul Ikonne declared emphatically. He questioned how a state receiving over 30 billion naira in monthly federal allocations could resort to measures that strangle small-scale traders struggling to feed their families.
Call for Immediate Review and Withdrawal
Ikonne has issued a direct appeal to Governor Alex Otti to intervene and halt what he terms anti-people policies. His demands are clear and threefold:
- An immediate stop to the night raids on markets.
- The withdrawal of security operatives from market areas.
- A comprehensive review of the oppressive levies imposed on traders.
He argued that tax administration must be sensitive to the realities faced by citizens and condemned the use of shop sealing, indiscriminate arrests, and humiliating treatment as tools of enforcement. Ikonne concluded by urging the people of Aba and Abia State to resist these decisions, reminding the governor that his mandate is to ease burdens, not to impoverish or silence the populace.
The growing discontent in Aba's markets presents a significant challenge for the Otti administration, which had promised reform and relief for businesses during its campaign. The situation continues to develop as traders seek reprieve from the escalating financial pressures.
