COMMUTERS STRANDED IN AWKA AS TRANSPORT UNIONS’ STRIKE HIT 2ND DAY

REPORTER: IFEANYICHUKWU CHINWUKO

Two transport unions of commercial tricycle operators (Keke Napep) and Shuttle Bus Drivers have shutdown commercial transportation services across Awka metropolis, Anambra State for second consecutive day.

Their refusal to offer commercial transport services to residents of the town is part of a peaceful protest against what they term outrageous tax regime the state government imposed on them among other commercial entities in the state.

The striking transporters, interviewed, a Keke rider, Mr. Tobias Nweke and a Shuttle Bus Driver, Mazi John Eze, lamented that the new monthly tax regime would be difficult for them to pay as they prefer the daily tax payment, which is more convenient for them.

The transporters appeal to be allowed to continue making their payments on daily basis considering other unforeseen circumstances that will affect such monthly payments, including when a transporter is off the road among other considerations.

Radio Nigeria observed that many people were stranded on the road and other trekking long distances as the continued strike by the transport unions which started on September 22 in Awka had frustrated ease of movement.

Two commuters, Mr. Kenneth Kenechukwu and Mrs. Chizoba Nnamani, told Radio Nigeria that the down-tooling by the two transport unions that majorly serve the intra-commercial transportation needs of the city have grounded commercial movements in the area, making it impossible for them to get to their various destinations.

Recall that the Governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration in Anambra State, upon assumption of office, announced a change of revenue payment pattern from daily to monthly basis.

The change is as a component part of the administration’s New Revenue Drive geared towards standardizing the Internally Generated Revenue administration of the State.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU