There has been allegations of harassment, unlawful sealing of warehouses, and extortion against traders and shippers in Abia State, and Governor Alex Otti has ordered security forces to investigate and apprehend those responsible.
On Thursday, he issued the order while hosting a meeting in his office with representatives from the Abia State Shippers Association, who were escorted by Olo Onuma, the association’s chairman of the board of trustees.
In response to the association’s grievances, the governor voiced his alarm at what he perceived as first-time allegations of unlawful activity targeting members of the Abia State Shippers Association.
“A government exists in this place. “It is imperative that anybody attempting to illegally enter or seal a warehouse is promptly reported,” Governor Otti emphasised.
“The issue needs to be carefully examined, and everyone responsible needs to be apprehended and brought before the courts,” Governor Otti stated.
Lawlessness of any kind that could undermine economic operations and public confidence would not be accepted, he said, and his administration would not rest until law and order was restored and maintained.
Otti, the governor, reassured the shippers that his government would keep looking out for their interests.
Regarding the proposed Abia Inland Dry Port project, Governor Otti stated that it is still a strategic objective, but in order to garner support, it needs to be financially feasible.
Speaking on behalf of the shippers, Olo Onuma lauded the governor for his accomplishments in Abia but accused certain government officials of collaborating with criminals to persecute artists, fabric traders, and shoe and bag producers.