Andrew Oare, (2nd right), DG of FMAPN and its Executives


The President of Forum of Mobile Advert Practitioners of Nigeria, FMPAN,  Otunba Mike Eboeziegbe and members of his Executives who stormed Abia with a list of complaints early in the week on Thursday expressed delight  with the termination of the contract of Azubuike Ihuoma Erondu, also known as Mopol as Revenue Collection Agent for Abia Board of Internal Revenue Services, ABIRS. 


Addressing journalists in Umuahia shortly before their departure from Umuahia, the Director-General  of FMAPN,  Mr Andrew Oare stated that from their various interactions with all government agencies responsible for collection of revenue in Abia State it was  confirmed that Mr Azubuike Erondu Ihuoma is no longer  working with Abia State government, infact, his contract has been terminated, he stated.


The FMAPN DG equally   acknowledged receipt of a copy of a letter from ABIR's Chairman, Celestine Agbara terminating Erondu's  contract with the State government and in his reaction declared that the: "...development gladdens our hearts as our members nationwide and members of the general public can henceforth expect human an lawful treatment on Abia roads"


He added that with the sacking of Erondu, FMAPN members and the general public expects henceforth that ASPIMSS's charges will be as specified by  ABIR.


 Additionally, on the FMAPN says it would ensure that "its members and customers buys only genuine Abia State emblem and will henceforth train its workforce to use the novel Abia enforcement app. We sincerely commend the Abia State Government for their tool which have the potential to improve collections and the convenience of the taxpayer on our roads", he affirmed


Earlier, Mr Oare who was flanked by other Executives of FMAPN  stated that they were in the State on fact checking mission and for solutions to the high-handedness and flagrant abuses of laws relating to  extant taxes, levies and administration of revenue laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria prevalent in Abia state.  He explained that the sacked Government Revenue Consultant ill- treated and extorted FMAPN members, even if their vehicles were registered in other States.


According to him, Erondu abused his position as Government Revenue Consultant as he muscled and intimidated not only FMAPN members, but also members of the general public and forced them into paying for all sorts of revenue and emblems of Abia State Government directly to him rather than through the e-ticketing platform adopted by government.


He further added that his members and the general public suffered double jeopardy as the payment made to Erondu  never reflects on Abia revenue database which causes them to be subjected to series of harassments throughout Abia.


Enumerating the various sins of Erondu, the FMAPN boss alleged that Erondu  using his company Zubics Ventures sells Abia Government emblem for N35,000, above the N5,500 fee fixed by government.


"Erondu also severally detained vehicles crossing Abia State for days leading to major losses to the owners of the goods. Infact, trucks laden with perishable goods were not spared. Several of our members paid N200,000 to release a truck from his detention yards"


The FMAPN boss concluded by applauding Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who granted them audience to air their grievances and promptly intervened in the matter. ABiR Chairman, Celestine Agbara and the General Consultant to Abia Government, Sir Mac Atasie were all equally applauded for the roles they played in resolving the matter. 


Other Executives of FMAPN on the entourage include its Executive Director, Chief Richard Obeto, the Abia and Ebonyi states coordinators, Mrs Uju Azubike and Chief Afudike respectively.