Thousands of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were found recently in the office of the Chairman of Ariaria International Market. This was revealed by Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State.

According to Emetu the cards were found during a raid against the collection of illegal fees in and around the well-known market.

While speaking further in Umuahia at a media training of the 10th edition of the Vision Africa Radio Station, the Deputy Governor said more than 20 people have so far been arrested by the administration in collaboration with the police in connection with the continued oppression of transporters and traders in the state by way of collecting unexplained levies and taxes.

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.

He maintained that the clampdown was part of Alex Otti, the state Governor’s quest to give residents peace from decades of illegal activities in the state.