Former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and APC chieftain, Prince Paul Ikonne, has raised alarm over what he described as widespread extortion of traders in Ariaria and other major markets across Abia State.

In a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Ujo Justice, Ikonne accused market union leaders and certain state government appointees of harassing traders and weaponizing taxation.

According to him, traders are being compelled to pay an increased N36,000 levy, a burden he says is driving already struggling business owners deeper into economic hardship.

“This is not governance; this is tyranny,” Ikonne said.

He further alleged that the current administration has normalized the sealing of shops and properties, indiscriminate arrests, court summons, and other forms of humiliation against citizens who are unable to meet what he termed “oppressive and inflated levies.”

“The rate of molestation and intimidation by agents of this government is alarming. No democratic society should subject its citizens to such cruelty,” he added.

Ikonne urged the Abia State Government and market leadership to halt the alleged extortion and adopt measures that support—rather than suffocate—small businesses in the state.