The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechuckwu Emetu, has revealed that thousands of Permanent Voters’ Cards, or PVCs, have been discovered in the office of the Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Aba.
Emetu made this known in Umuahia during the 10th edition of Vision Africa Radio Station’s media training for journalists and other media practitioners.
According to him, the discovery was made during a recent raid against extortion and illegal levies in the Ariaria International Market, Aba.
He noted that a total of 23 people have so far been arrested by the state government in the ongoing clampdown on extortion and illegal levies imposed on transporters and traders in the state.
He stressed that the campaign was part of Governor Alex Otti’s determination to give Abians relief from many years of illegal activities in the state.
He said, “We are getting those guys off the streets and making arrests just like the Chairman of Ariaria. He was arrested because we saw thousands of PVCs in his office. We just had to pick him up.
“And those who were into the act of robbing the market women, we had to pick them up because they were always collecting fees and tolls.
“I have no regrets being labelled King Harold if I am doing the right thing”, the Abia Deputy Governor said.
Speaking on the significance of the media training, Emetu appealed to media practitioners and the youths to exploit social media to positively contribute to the development of the state.
He showered praise on Bishop Sunday Onuoha and Vision Africa for organising the training, stressing that the training would enhance the capacity of media practitioners in the state.