SOLUDO SUSPENDS TRICYCLE, SHUTTLE BUS UNIONS, MAKES TRANSPORT TAXES CLEAR
REPORTER: BEN ILECHUKWU
In a a bid to forestall breakdown of law and order, the Anambra State Government has suspended all tricycle and shuttle bus unions in the State with immediate effect.
The Governor’s suspension of the unions, which will last six months, was contained in a statement by the state Commissioner for information, Mr Paul Nwosu.
The statement indicated that the suspension would further follow investigations and a possible harmonization of the unions which would have a leadership known to and recognized by the State Government.
The statement revealed that security reports indicate that those masquerading under different names as tricycle (keke) and shuttle bus unions are orchestrating the breakdown of law and order in the state.
It also said that there were conflicts arising from various persons and entities claiming to be the appropriate authority to unionize tricycle and shuttle bus operators or owners who had openly rejected these claims and insisted that the unions were not working for them.
According to the statement, “Consequent on this and as a follow up to government’s recent consultation with the direct representatives of tricycle and shuttle bus operators, Government has considered their plea and decided to offer them a convenient payment option and other fringe benefits that could add value to their well-being.”
Tricycle operators now have the option of paying N4,000 weekly or N15,000 monthly.
However, tricycle operators in the 8 Local Government Areas that are affected by the curfew will pay N3000 weekly or N12,000 monthly.
They will revert to the normal rates of N4,000 weekly or N15,000 monthly as soon as the curfew is lifted.
“Shuttle bus operators will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly. But because of the ASUU strike that resulted in the closure of universities, NANS shuttle bus will pay N2,500 weekly or N10,000 monthly.
“This group will also revert to the normal rates of N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly as soon as the strike is called off.
“Taxi will pay N4,375 weekly or N17,500 monthly.
“Also Township bus will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly.
“Mini truck and Pick up will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly respectively.
“Intra-state will pay N6,250 weekly or N25,000 monthly.
“Loading and offloading in government (public) parks will now be FREE.
“Moving forward, every compliant commercial vehicle driver will get a FREE Health Insurance cover that would enable the insured have access to basic health and emergency services in any hospital owned by Anambra State,” the statement indicates.
The statement noted that Government reiterated its ban on touts (agboro) and cult groups that were used to enforce illegal collection of tolls and taxes.
It further stated that only government accredited agents were entitled to collect tolls.
Alternatively, it directed that commercial vehicle operators could pay at any of the banks or any Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) pay-point nearest to them.
It stated that operators and members of the public could report the activities of touts to the following Nos: 09093170790, 08156352767, 09017280990, 07039896429.
The statement further added that all former touts (agboro) and cultists who had no jobs should go and register their names and phone numbers with their Local Government Area offices.
It gave hope that the Government would train them on life-support skills or find them other means of livelihood that would enable them live decent lives.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
