It was applause from motorists for Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State who yesterday, banned revenue collection on the highways in the state. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, the government said “following incessant reports of extortion and harassment of road users on roads and highways in Edo State, the Edo State Government hereby announces the prohibition of revenue collection under any guise by any person or group of persons purporting to be acting on behalf of state or local government.

“Also, the State Government hereby prohibits the operation of Passengers Welfare Scheme in the state with immediate effect.

“Furthermore, the State Government hereby restricts the activities and operations of Drivers Welfare Scheme to designated motor parks and not on our roads or highways.

“This order takes immediate effect as anyone who disobeys will be summarily dealt with and made to face full weight of the law.”

Motorists spoken to by our correspondent thanked the governor for the bold action to keep the so-called revenue collectors from the highways. In recent years, Edo State has become notorious for sundry levies charged by revenue collectors most of whom were not working for the government but for themselves.