Afrigather Truck drivers in Imo State introduced the town of Owerri to a standstill on Thursday, August 15, 2024, by blocking main roads together with the Owerri/Port Harcourt and Owerri/Onitsha highways. The protest, organized by the Trailer Drivers Affiliation, was a response to what they described as relentless harassment and extortion by the state’s taskforce on unlawful parks, headed by the Particular Adviser to the Governor on Unlawful Parks, Frank Onwumere. This blockade led to huge site visitors disruptions throughout the state capital…..CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
The drivers allege that for over 4 months, their automobiles have been unjustly impounded by the taskforce, with Onwumere’s workforce demanding N250,000 per car for his or her launch. In accordance with Monday Ossai, a pacesetter inside the affiliation, the extortion has reached insupportable ranges, with the taskforce exploiting the drivers underneath the pretense of imposing highway security. The drivers declare they’re subjected to comparable monetary calls for in Rivers and Lagos states however contemplate the actions of the Imo State taskforce notably extreme and unjustified. Along with the monetary burden, the truck drivers face logistical challenges because of nighttime roadblocks at Obinze, which they are saying make it practically unattainable to adjust to the state’s regulation that restricts heavy automobiles to nighttime journey. Aliyu Haruna, one other driver, voiced his frustration, noting that comparable points don’t happen in different states the place they function. The drivers argue that the continuing harassment and roadblocks have severely affected their operations, main them to take drastic measures to attract consideration to their plight. The protest escalated when truck drivers blocked a number of key intersections in Owerri, together with Management, Port Harcourt Highway, and Concorde junction. This motion left commuters stranded and introduced business actions to a halt as bus drivers hiked fares by as a lot as 70 p.c as a result of gridlock. Social media customers within the state shortly unfold the information, warning residents to keep away from the affected areas because the state of affairs unfolded.
Responding to the protest, the Chief of Employees to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, made an on-the-spot go to to the scene. He ordered the fast launch of all impounded vans and warranted the drivers that the allegations towards Onwumere and his taskforce can be totally investigated. Anyaehie additionally promised that any confirmed misconduct can be addressed promptly, together with the restore of broken trailer components brought on by the taskforce’s actions. Nevertheless, Frank Onwumere defended his actions, stating that they had been consistent with the directives from Governor Hope Uzodimma. He emphasised that his position as Particular Adviser on Unlawful Parks includes guaranteeing that roads stay free from unlawful obstructions and that site visitors flows easily for all highway customers. Onwumere argued that the enforcement measures his workforce employs are in line with practices in different states like Lagos and Abuja and accused the truck drivers of persistently flouting site visitors orders. The truck drivers usually are not solely demanding the elimination of Onwumere from his place however are additionally calling for pressing repairs to the deteriorating Port Harcourt Expressway and different key roads in Imo State. They argue that the poor situation of those roads exacerbates the challenges they face and contributes to the continuing conflicts with the taskforce. As tensions stay excessive, the truck drivers await additional actions from the state authorities. This protest highlights the rising frustration amongst business drivers in Imo State and the broader challenges associated to governance, highway infrastructure, and enforcement of rules. The end result of the federal government’s investigation into the taskforce’s conduct and the response to the drivers’ calls for can be essential in figuring out whether or not this battle is resolved or escalates additional.
