By Abubakar Y Zakariya, Abuja
The People’s Alternative Political Movement (TPAP- M), Lagos State Chapter, has called on relevant authoritiea to put an end to the unjust levies inflicted on Lagos commercial bus, taxi and tricycle drivers.
Coalition made the call in a solidarity message jointly signed by Interim Chairperson, Affiong L. Affiong Esq,
Interim Secretary, Akinkunmi Olawoyin and shared with THE EXPLAINER, yesterday in Abuja.
“We call for an end to the unjust levies inflicted on Lagos commercial bus, taxi and tricycle drivers; and extracted by violent elements in the service of the state”.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the seven-day proposed strike action by the Joint Drivers’ Welfare Association of Nigeria, expected to commence on Monday, October 31st, 2022.
“In light of this recent development, we at T-PAP M, Lagos State Chapter, solidarise with the striking drivers protesting the illegal extortion and violent harassment routinely carried out by members of Lagos State Parks and Management Committee- led by Musiliu Akinsaya aka MC Oluomo and also sanctioned by the Lagos State Government
“The extortion of commercial vehicle drivers in the state has wider economic implications. It is one of the most critical drivers of inflation- the throttling levy imposed on the drivers has a direct effect on the supply chain of goods and services- consequently hiking the price of essential goods, commodities, and services in Lagos relative to other states.
“Putting an end to this state approved extortion of drivers would bring down the high cost of living in Lagos and ensure profits of the drivers are not streamed illegally into the coffers of a rent-seeking state.
“We also call for the modernization of the transport system in Lagos and a reformed democratic state park and management committee that is workers/drivers centered, as opposed to the feudal tribute extraction structure of the incumbent at Oshodi.
“Finally, Lagos State Government must scrap the use of violent thugs and area boys for its levy extraction enterprise and accede to all the demands of the striking drivers swiftly.”
