2025: tax regime bites hard on Anambra citizens, mechanized agriculture is answer

By Chuks Collins

The regime of exploitative taxation, and crude health risking collection methods may be going for good in Anambra State.

This was revealed late afternoon yesterday by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the fast approaching November 8,2025 election when traders from parts of the state numbering above two thousand paid him a solidarity visit in Awka.

The traders under the aegis of Anambra Elite Traders Forum drawn from the twenty-one Councils of the state pledged their total support and those of all their friends, well-wishers, neighbors, household and customers to Ukachukwu's Governorship aspiration come November 8,2025.

Speaking on their behalf, one of the leaders, Onyebuchi Onwuteeaka lamented that they were tired of the “state government-backed intimidation” of traders, transporters and commutters by some notorious brigands called revenue collection agents.

These agents of the Anambra state government kill, injure, brutalize, maim them. They also seize and destroy their wares and goods daily with relish.

Ukachukwu assured them that, “As governor, I will put an end to the activities of these multiple government-backed armed touts who go about inflicting pains on innocent citizens under the guise of revenue collection.

They include the notorious ‘Akaodo’ group", SASA, ASTA, etc.

"My administration will undertake a comprehensive review of the current tax and revenue collection system, to make it fair, transparent, and humane to all residents, visitors and passers bye.

“Today, people are being brutalized in the name of revenue collection, lives are being lost, while insecurity continues to soar. Is this truly the kind of government we want to keep in power?

"Is this the African, Dubai Taiwan (ADT)that we promised four years ago? He wondered. The forum chorused No! 

The APC flagbearer said his government would prioritize justice and human dignity in all aspects of life, especially in taxation. He promised to ensure that revenue collection will no longer be “a source of terror and suffering” for traders, transport operators and residents".

Calling for a collective positive change and reform, Ukachukwu urged Anambra electorate to unite and elect a government that genuinely serves their interests. And that is what he represents.

According to him, “The time has come for a change of government with milk of human kindness in Anambra State, "But this change, he pointed out "is not just about me, it is about securing the future of our dear state. I envision a new Anambra that works for everyone, where fairness, sincerity, and unity guide our actions.”

He appealed for sincerity and commitment among his supporters, encouraging them to go out, campaign, and mobilise votes. As governor, I will not interfere in your activities. You will have the freedom to run your affairs and choose your leaders. Together, we will build a State where every citizen has a voice and every community has a stake in her progress."

His administration, he added, would create cooperatives across all markets to enable traders access grants and financial support, while also modernising agriculture to make it more profitable and less labour-intensive.

"I will engage with your leaders to establish cooperatives across all markets,” he said. 

Again, for the farmers, "my administration will move away from the current labour-intensive agricultural practices and embrace modern, mechanised methods that make farming easier and more yielding and rewarding.”

He explained that economic empowerment, especially for women and youths, would be central to his development plan, saying the state’s economic growth depended largely on the resilience of its traders and farmers

Going down memory lane, he shared a deeply touching personal story about his late mother, whom he credited with shaping his values and purpose in life.

“I can see many hardworking women here today, mothers who toil daily to support their families,” he began. “Everything I am today, I owe to my mother’s love, prayers, and wisdom. In my formative years, her midnight counsel shaped me deeply. Sometimes, given the choice between receiving her advice or being flogged, I chose the cane, because her words pierced my soul more than any pain could.”

He revealed that his mother’s words once saved him from suicide, saying her guidance gave him direction and strength during his lowest moments.

“My mother saw greatness in me long before I could see it in myself. She warned me against following those who had no direction. Her wisdom saved me,” he said. “So when I look at mothers, I understand the sacrifices and sleepless nights you endure to raise children like us.”

Ukachukwu pledged to make women empowerment a priority, adding that his government would support mothers, widows, and female entrepreneurs through targeted social and economic programmes.

“As your governor, I will not hesitate to do all within my power to support you. And just as my mother lived to witness my success, I pray that every mother here will live long to eat the fruit of her labour.” 

He urged voters to see their ballots as instruments of change and renewal.

“As we approach the November 8, 2025 governorship election, I urge you to vote for a secure and prosperous future, and that future begins with your vote for me,” he said. “Use your vote as a seed of faith, a seed of hope, and a seed for a better Anambra. Together, we will make history.”