Abia Government Denies Allegations of Overtaxation

On 13 September 2026, the Abia State Government, through Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, denied accusations of overtaxing residents. Ekeoma responded to legal practitioner Emperor Gabriel Ogbonna's claims by urging him to present evidence of any overtaxation, including demand notices or payment receipts since the current administration took office.

Ekeoma stated that the previous government had burdened residents with numerous illegal levies, while the current administration has worked to eliminate these practices. He emphasized that the era of harassment from multiple revenue agents has ended, and the government has streamlined tax payments to known revenue accounts.

While acknowledging isolated cases of fraud, Ekeoma asserted that the government remains open to genuine concerns but will not tolerate attempts at blackmail regarding legitimate tax demands.