Levies: Lagos commercial drivers insist on stopping work for seven days

Commercial drivers in Lagos State under the aegis of Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) says its seven-day suspension of transport services will start on Monday, October 31.

The suspension is to protest against arbitrary levies imposed on members by the state government.

The association in another statement on Sunday by its leader, Akintade Abiodun, said a Federal High Court order had directed the Lagos State government to stop the illegal levies imposed on its members, regretting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has yet to comply.

In the statement said the presence of thugs at every bus stop, as well as all illegal money at garages and parks must stop.

“Harassment by law enforcement agencies and intimidation with guns, cutlass, broken bottles by LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority), task force and RRS (Rapid Response Squad) must end immediately.

“Lagos State government should build and assign more bus stops for commercial use to avoid arrest by LASTMA for dropping off passengers at existing bus stops which are known to commuters as official bus stops,” it added.

The association said it had met with representatives of the state government led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Abdulhafiz Toriola, and the Motor Park Management Liaison Officer Mr Hakeem Odumosu (AIG retd.) in the company with their legal adviser, Mr Ayo Ademiluyi, adding that the state had taken no concrete steps towards addressing the demands.

The group claimed that instead the delegate threatened its members that with arrets and attacks.

“The statement of threat by Hakeem Odumosu that MC Oluomo could attack our members is already happening, through Sile Sekoni (Burger) of Badagry Roundabout Motor Park Management branch, JAFO (Oniba of Iba) of the caretaker committee, Iba branch, Seyi Bamgbose (student) of Iyana Iba caretaker committee branch who threatened to beat and kill drivers on Monday, 31st of October.

“JDWAN notes that Lagosians must be aware that if anything happens to our drivers, the elements named above should be held responsible.

“…Once again, we are calling on all Lagos commercial drivers, commuters, civil society organisations and residents to observe the seven-day boycott on Monday, 31st of October, stay at home and not ply any road for commercial purposes or block any road whatsoever.

“All drivers should enjoy their day with their families without extortion and violence of the Agberos of motor park management and caretaker committee since the government has refused or shown any sign of stopping the state-approved extortion.”