Economic activities are paralysed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Tuesday following protest by mini-bus drivers over sale of tickets by National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Major roads such as Ikot Ekpene and Oron Roads and Wellington Bassey Way and Ikpa Road and adjoining streets leading to the plaza were cordoned off to prevent escalation of the protest.
Consequently, pasengers heading to the Uyo Plaza, seen as the nucleaus to the major roads were seen trekking long distances as the drivers have withdrawn their services pending resolution of the problem and release of their members allegedly arrested.
A driver, one John Akparawa speaking with Planet FM, Uyo reporter said the drivers were protesting the sales of tickets by NURTW and a task force because Governor Udom Emmanuel who gave them a tax holiday directed a stoppage of the sales to them as COVID-19 palliative to cushion their economic hardship.
According to him, some policemen accompanied by members of Task Force were seen arresting some protesting drivers while others fled the scene.
The state Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Uno Etim Uno speaking with Straightnews in a telephone interviewon Tuesday said “The protest by the mini-bus drivers was not targeted at government, but against NURTW members. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Governor Emmanuel graciously granted tax relief to Keke operators and mini-bus drivers in the state.
“A mini-bus dirver used to pay N300 while a Keke operator paid N200 daily. Of the amounts, N100 from each of the mini-bus drivers and Keke operators was usually remitted to the state government’s coffers. NURTW members came to me for us to resume ticketting after the lockdown. I sent a memo to the Governor who approved that ticketing should resume today, though they protested. However, I have summoned a meeting between the union leaders and government on Wednesday for us to resolve the issues,” Uno explained.
Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, CSP N-nudam Fredrick in a telephone interview with Straightnews said the state Poice Command was aware of the protest by some mini-bus drivers, though he could not confirm any arrest of protesting drivers.
Fredrick, however, said “if they are protesting peacefully, there would be no need to arrest them, but if they were protesting violently to the extent of such affecting public peace, then police have to effect arrest to restore order and sanity in the society.”
More details later…
