By Ushang Ewa
Revenue collection agents in Obudu local government area have stepped up their collection game as the Christmas celebration draws nearer findings by CrossRiverWatch reveal.
The agents whom CrossRiverWatch gathered report to different authorities and bodies of government now go after defaulters with renewed vigor by deploying new strategies to ensure they go above their “targets” as the festive period draws closer.
Traders who spoke on condition of anonymity say the agents who are sometimes thugs brought in by the government of the day to do its “collections” often resort to force while those who visit highly rated places resort to call on the Police to come to their aid in the face of a stiff opposition from taxpayers.
A CrossRiverWatch correspondent was on Monday, November 30 2015 stopped along Ranch road and asked for “Emblem, Ticket and Dues” on his way to a scheduled interview and despite explanations he was not a commercial cyclist and the bike he was using was rented, it took a 100 Naira tip from a friendly passer by who recognized him to secure passage.
Around the town and remote villages, several revenue agents “find fault with just about anything” says a commercial ‘long distance’ cyclist who simply gave his name as Christopher.
They allegedly collect below the stipulated amounts and fill their pockets other times of the year but during the festive periods, they implement forcefully to ensure their target is met and their private pockets larger CrossRiverWatch also gathered.
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