Abia Govt denies imposing N50,000 tax on akara sellers

The Abia State Government dismissed allegations that it imposed a N50,000 tax on women selling akara in the streets. Information Commissioner Okey Kanu clarified that akara sellers do not pay taxes but daily tolls. He also stated that the government did not introduce any new taxes and that the State Board of Internal Revenue cannot increase taxes without approval from the House of Assembly. Kanu denied claims that opposition pressure led to the resumption of gratuity payments to pensioners.