The Cross River House of Assembly has invited the state commissioner for environment over alleged illegal levies imposed on truck drivers.

The House took the decision following a complaint made during the house session on Monday by Okon Owuna, the member representing Akamkpa I in the assembly.

Mr Owuna said that the levy tagged “Cross River Evacuation Permit” was imposed by the Ministry of Environment on trucks hauling granite from quarries in Akamkpa.

The lawmaker said that the levy was illegal, and not approved by the Cross River Internal Revenue Service.

“This levy is not also backed by the state Revenue Administration Law passed by the State Assembly,” he said.

He further said that the collection of the illegal levies had caused serious hardship on truck drivers as well as business owners in the area.

“This has led to the withdrawal of their trucks to quarries in neighbouring states; this trend should be stopped to preserve the good image of the state.

“If this trend is not checked, it is capable of destroying the hard-earned reputation and good image that Governor Bassey Otu has built for the state,” he said.

Other lawmakers who spoke on the matter described the imposition of illegal levies by the ministry as double taxation.

The speaker, Elvert Ayambem, condemned the act and said that the commissioner of environmental and chairman of the Internal Revenue Service should appear before the house.

Mr Ayambem said the invitation of the two government officials would enable the House to adequately understand the issue and proffer lasting solutions.

(NAN)