By Doris Ferdinand
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved in the interim, to suspend the activities of Task Forces in all Area Councils of the FCT.
This was contained in a motion moved by a member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen.
The lawmaker decried the illegal activities by task forces operating in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council’s under different guises forcing business owners to pay illegal levies which are not remitted into the government coffers but private pockets of Task Force Officials.
Tajudeen noted that revenues meant to boost the economy of the Capital Territory are diverted by Task Force Officials from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and other Area Councils who extorts various business outlets.
“The continued extortion of business operators in AMAC and other Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory under the guise of collecting levies, tenement and other charges by Task Forces is affecting businesses as some entrepreneurs who cannot cope with multiple levies are forced
to reduce their workforce.
“With the rising effects and fallout of the COVID–19 pandemic which has thrown the country into economic recession, if the illegal activities of Task Forces are not stopped by relevant government Authorities, it will lead to loss of jobs, impact negatively on the economy and increase insecurity.” Tajudeen lamented.
