The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has ordered security agencies to arrest leaders of traders and buyers associations in the state over protests linked to the multiple and high taxations policy of the Ortom administration.
Gov. Ortom is said to have ordered a crackdown on the protesters as leaders of the Tomatoes and Pepper Traders Association in the state have variously received invitations from the Directorate of State Security (DSS) to appear at its Makurdi headquarters in relation to the protests.
It was reported that these developments escalated the tempo of their protests, with the protesters accusing Governor Ortom of insensitivity and corruption, thus questioning the basis for higher taxation by a government that has failed to pay basic salaries to workers.
Details
State/Country
Benue State
Perpetrator
The DSS in Benue state was used as an instrument of intimidation and repression by the Samuel Ortom Administration in Benue state.
Legal Foundation
Section 39 and 40 of the constitution affirms the fundamental rights of expression and assembly.