Ebonyi State Government has said that the man behind the viral video taxing vegetable sellers in the International Market has been arrested for flouting the Executive order banning the taxation of perishable goods in the state.

Recall that on March 20, 2024, while swearing in members of the Ebonyi State Revenue Appeal Commission, Governor Nwifuru cautioned against indiscriminate taxation of the less privileged persons, selling their farm produce in the local markets.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa made the statement while responding to the viral video circulating on social media, saying that the suspect has been arrested and would soon face the law.

According to Oketa, on several occasions, the Governor had openly stated point blank, that petty traders of perishable goods in Ebonyi State should not be taxed.

“Unfortunately today, a video is making rounds on social media about an unknown person who is seen in the video, going against the Executive Order of the Governor by taxing sellers of perishable goods – vegetables and tomatoes at International Market,” he said.

He said that the agent seen in the video does not represent the Government of Ebonyi State in any shape or form as his activities are not known to Government and as a matter of fact, his dealings are in stark contrast to the Executive Order of the Governor.

He equally confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force, Abakaliki, were alerted yesterday when the issue