Over 100 truck drivers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, staged a peaceful protest against a recent increase in market levies at the Linus Edeh Memorial Timber Shade. The drivers are demanding an immediate reversal of the hike and calling on Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene.
Chairman of the Drivers Delivery Association at the Timber Shade, Mr. Ogbonna Nkwede, stated that the demonstration was necessary to voice their grievances. He warned that if the market authorities fail to revert the levies, the drivers may embark on an indefinite strike. According to him, a particular levy, previously pegged at ₦500, has surged to ₦3,000, affecting 608 tricycles and other vehicles operating in the market.
The Secretary of the Truck Drivers Association, Mr. Joseph Eze, accused market leaders of forcefully shutting down their office, expelling vehicles from the park, and removing a tree under which drivers rest. He urged the state government to intervene and restore peace.
Similarly, Mr. Everest Nnadi, General Chairman of Mini Truck Operators in Ebonyi State, expressed dissatisfaction with the market leadership’s decision but urged drivers to remain law-abiding while awaiting the government’s response.
Addressing the situation, Comrade Israel Ochishi, Chairman of the Linus Edeh Memorial Timber Shade, defended the levy increase, stating that it was necessary to fund road maintenance, particularly during the rainy season. He denied allegations of expelling drivers, explaining that the recent demolition of shanties was part of a government directive aimed at expanding operational space within the market. He called for a dialogue in their upcoming general meeting.
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Emeka Igboke, condemned the levy hike, assuring that the state government is working towards an amicable resolution.
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