Tricycle operators within Upper Iweka by Triangle in Onitsha, Anambra State, have protested against what they called illegal revenue touts.
Recall that the Anambra State Government led by Professor Charles Soludo recently suspended all revenue contractors operating in parks, markets and roads until further notice.
The protesting tricycle operators who gathered in their numbers at Onitsha Holiday Resort said, ”We want Governor Soludo to be aware that some people are still forcefully collecting money from us despite the ban on touting. Everybody is aware that anything revenue has been suspended until the government announces the new system, but these people insisted that we must be paying”
Some of the protesters including Mr. Emeka Ofoma, Mr. John Ibeabuchi and Chidiebere Micheal, alleged that the Chairmen of the TOAAN Awada chapter, Mr Tochukwu Obosi, and his men, still engage in collecting money from their members.
They also alleged that certain people from Okpoko, AP, Ndida Well and MCC axis are also involved in extorting money from the Keke Operators, adding that those people forcefully collect #500 daily instead of #300 which they were paying before the ban on touting.
Similarly, Mr Obunike Igwe accused the alleged touts of using Sienna vehicles and waste containers to block the space where Keke Operators stay to load their tricycles since they were banned from collecting money from Keke Operators.
The protesters further complained that their activities would have been worse but for the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Okpoko, Mr Ugochukwu Ugbo and his team.
They also maintained that the DPO affirmed the ban on touting as instructed by the Governor, and had instructed them to report anyone who collects money from them to the police.
Reacting to the issue, the Chairmen of Keke Drivers Welfare Association, Anambra State Chapter, Chief Arunsi Igbaniuka, described those who are still indulging in touting activities as detractors and enemies of the state.
”It is unfair that some people still violate executive order from the governor whom God sent to reposition Anambra State. Why can’t these people leave the main road like their other members who have denounced touting and ordered their members to vacate roads?”
Chief Igbaniuka said they had ordered their drivers to report to police or union taskforce, anyone demanding money from them.
He further disclosed that the Union would soon embark on Keke drivers seminar in order to train members so as to restore sanity in the state.
He informed that Chief Security personnel from Navy, Army, police and other security agencies will be invited to the seminar.
Efforts to reach Okpoko Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugbo, at the time of filing this report yielded no result as he was not on seat when newsmen visited his office.
0
0
