Otu Pledges Crackdown on Fake Tax Collectors, Assures Support for Widows

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has vowed to clamp down on fake tax collectors and touts extorting money from widows and petty traders across the state, describing their actions as “heartless and unacceptable.”

The governor made the declaration on Friday during a special gathering of widows at the State Library Complex in Calabar, held to mark his 66th birthday.

Otu said his administration had developed a mechanism for victims to report cases of extortion directly to government channels, promising that all illegal collections would be refunded to those affected.

“We have devised a system to receive complaints directly from you,” Otu said. “Anyone found guilty of extorting widows or traders will be made to return every kobo. The era of exploiting the poor in the name of revenue collection is over.”

Visibly moved by the testimonies of widows who shared their struggles to survive through petty trading, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising their welfare under the state’s social protection framework.

“You have suffered enough. Your husbands may be gone, but God has not forgotten you and neither has this government,” Otu assured.

As part of the celebration, the governor gifted ₦100,000 to each widow present, a gesture that drew applause and prayers from the crowd. He said the decision to celebrate with widows instead of hosting a lavish party was a deliberate one, aimed at reminding public officials of the need for compassion and accountability in governance.

“This administration will continue to stand with the vulnerable. We are doing everything possible to cushion the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary citizens,” he added.

The leader of the widows, Mrs. Uduak Spencer, expressed gratitude to the governor for his generosity, noting that many women are left to fend for their families after losing their husbands. “An average of one man dies daily, leaving behind a widow,” she lamented. “We thank the governor for remembering us when many others do not.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Felicia Eyaba, described Otu’s gesture as “a birthday celebration that touched hearts,” commending him for sharing his special day with women often neglected by society.

The governor’s wife, Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, also praised the widows for their prayers and support for her husband’s administration, assuring them of continued partnership in empowerment initiatives.