By 
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has stressed the need to exempt petty traders from levies and fees by local government authorities.
The Governor who stated this at the weekend in Ekwulobia during a campaign rally, suspended campaign matters to address a passionate crowd, highlighting the importance of the community’s involvement in local governance.
Soludo urged local authorities to desist from collecting fees from petty traders whose capital is less than N100,000.
It was learnt that the call ensued from Soludo’s visit to Eke market in Awgbu town, where it was observed that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than one hundred thousand naira capital, against government directive.
The Governor said, “Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody who goes ahead to disregard this,” he warned, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders.
Soludo who expressed gratitude for the community’s support, declared that it is now a people’s movement, highlighting the significance of Ekwulọbịa in Anambra politics.
He stated that while Jim Nwobodo had designated Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulọbịa as cities, the latter appeared to have been overlooked in the development plans.
Governor Soludo emphasized his administration’s commitment to social welfare, with a mention of free education, free antenatal care, and delivery services for the underprivileged.
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