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Tag: Commercial drivers

  • Commercial drivers protest death of colleague, passengers

    Commercial drivers protest death of colleague, passengers

    • Three dead, others injured

    Commercial drivers plying the ever-busy Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway yesterday barricaded the major road connecting the five states of the southeast and Southsouth following the death of their colleague and passengers in the commercial vehicle heading to Enugu State capital.

    The driver  of the said 40ft container loaded with baby pampers, whose name could not be ascertained, has been arrested and detained by the state Police Command.

    Reports have it that the drivers were protesting the death of their colleague and passengers in a 18-seater bus after a truck driver crushed them to death at a police checkpoint near the popular cow market in Umuchieze axis of Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.

    According to sources, police officers on stop-and-search on the expressway on Wednesday evening, stopped the bus driver, who after sorting himself out, was not allowed to go as the police officers had wanted to use him to stop other vehicles, including an articulate truck that was coming from a distance.

    Sources said attempts by the articulate truck driver to bring his vehicle to a halt failed following breakdown of the truck’s breaks, forcing the driver to ram into the stationary bus.

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    Some of the commercial drivers and private car owners resorted to using the Okigwe-Abakiliki-Isiagu route to continue their movement to Enugu as the road was still being blocked by the protesting drivers.

    In a telephone interview, the Special Adviser to the governor of Abia State, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the state government had swing into action as the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, at the time of filing the report was already making effort to deploy a crane to evacuate the truck and other cars from the scene to ensure free flow of vehicles on the road, while they await details of the incident.

    However, contrary to reports, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, only said three persons died, while others were wounded.

    Chinaka in a statement said: “On  15/05/2024 at about 22:30hrs, the Isiochi police divisional headquarters received a report of a fatal motor accident along Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway, near Lekwesi Umuchieze in Umueneochi LGA of Abia State.’’

  • 200 Lagos commercial drivers undergo training

    The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria RTEAN) have come together under the Amalgamated Mega City Transport Services (AMCTS) Ltd to train commercial drivers.

    The Nation learnt that this is to enable the transportation system in Lagos State meet international standard.

    Addressing reporters during the transport week-long training workshop for city bus drivers, held at Abule-Egba, Lagos, AMCTS Managing Director Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede said over 200 drivers would be trained in the  first batch, adding that all drivers should make use of the opportunity through commitment in order to meet up with the challenge for smart city, which Lagos State deserves.

    He said structured training of driving instructors and drivers on state-of-the-art safety trainings tracks, as well as evaluation and certification of the instructors and professional drivers would be the pillars of the programme.

    “As professional drivers, we are proud to associate with this standard, hence, this prompted us as major stakeholders in the transportation industry to officially unveil this week-long drivers’ training programme.

    “As it is generally known that drivers are the promoters of economic well-being of any nation, we should all at this time be prepared to carry out our function towards moving the economy of the nation forward,” Agbede said.

    He advised the government to standardise and harmonise driving schools as well as ensure that the state’s Driving Institute re-trains commercial drivers and other motorists who are caught for traffic offences.

    Transportation Commissioner Mr. Ladi Lawanson, represented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Christian Olakpe, urged the drivers to be more disciplined and focused in their operations.

    He said the state is ready to support them in every capacity in order to meet international standard.

  • Commercial drivers back Ayade for 2019

    Commercial drivers in Cross River State State endorsed Governor Ben Ayade for a second term at the weekend.

    At a rally in Calabar, the state capital, the drivers, under the aegis of Unified Commercial Drivers Association of Cross River State, said they took the decision after assessing the candidates.

    Chairman of the association Pastor Thomas Effiom Okon said:  ”Our digital governor has achieved so much in three and a half years and therefore deserves a re-election. We as a body have come to a conclusion after due consultation that your programmes are laudable and deserve a pat on the back. Your second term is therefore, non- negotiable. We know you feel our pains;that is why we want to say thank you today for being there for us.”

    Ayade reiterated his determination to ensure that no one in the state lacked sustainable economic empowerment.

    “This is the reason for my government’s aggressive industrialisation drive. I am building the industries to create jobs, to empower the people. I used to drive taxi. I am one of you. This is where I started. I know your importance.

    “If   I was a full time politician, we will be owing salaries. I know my circumstances, I know my history.”

    The governor, who was made the grand patron of the association, announced that 120,000 new cars would be given  to the drivers to replace the rickety cabs, which “do not befit the status of Calabar as the tourism capital of Nigeria”.

    He announced the allocation of land to the association.

  • One feared dead, vehicles destroyed in Ado-Ekiti

    One feared dead, vehicles destroyed in Ado-Ekiti

    Guns boomed yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, as members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) battled one another for several hours.

    Traffic, commercial and social activities were paralysed while business centres and schools were shut.

    The commercial drivers moved from one location to another, attacking innocent residents and damaging vehicles.

    The drivers, who started the attacks on Monday, were protesting the detention of their colleague, Ahmed Kolo, allegedly on the order of Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Kolo was remanded in prison custody on September 27, following his arraignment at an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to knock Fayose down with his vehicle.

    He was brought to court again on Monday but the court prolonged his remand.

    This angered his colleagues, who claimed to have made representations to the governor on behalf of the detained driver.

    The angry drivers declared war on Fayose, threatening unrest until Kolo is released.

    The Ado-Ikere road was blocked for hours on Monday evening and vehicles.

    The drivers blocked the road at Assumpta area, which caused traffic gridlock.

    Members of NURTW continued their violent protest early yesterday.

    Residents on their way to work and schools turned back as suspected hoodlums blocked the dual carriageway at Akure Motor Park.

    The drivers shot into the air and wielded weapons, such as cutlasses, axes, bottles and charms, as they hurled stones at riot policemen deployed to quell the crisis.

    They placed fetish objects, broken bottles, big stones and other objects on the road.

    The drivers chanted anti-Fayose songs. They lit bonfires at Ajebamidele, Akure Motor Park, Ijigbo Roundabout, Matthew Junction, Okeyinmi, Ajibade Motor Park, Irona, Atikankan and Oke Ila.

    Motorists and motorcyclists took alternative routes; many plied erosion-damaged roads.

    Residents were in panic as gunshots were heard at Ijigbo, Ajilosun and Akure Motor Park.

    Traders hurriedly closed their stalls and fled when they heard gunshots fired by the drivers.

    Erekesan and Bisi markets were quickly deserted.

    Thick smoke from tyres used for bonfires billowed into the sky.

    Those passing through the “war zone” at Akure Motor Park were made to raise their hands by riot policemen.

    An NURTW member said one of its members was shot by the police at Ajilosun.

    He did not reveal the name of the hospital the victim was taken to.

    The driver said: “One of us was shot at Ajilosun, close to Fayose Market. There is no way we won’t avenge the killing. We are going to burn a police station, if that boy dies.”

    Mrs. Florence Olukolade, a younger sister to the Founder/Chancellor of Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, told our reporter that the commercial drivers damaged her Toyota Avensis car, registered as (Ondo) AKR 657 FW.

    Mrs. Olukolade said the drivers forcibly removed her car key and fled after the vehicle was vandalised.

    According to her, the hoodlums damaged six vehicles in her presence.

    She said: “At 11.30 am today (yesterday), I was coming from Akure and I saw a row of vehicles. We wanted to turn back but the policemen passed our vehicle. The next thing was that those boys just came and ordered us to stop.

    “They ordered us to surrender the car key and, my son, who was driving, surrendered the key. They were pushing us, threatening to shoot us. There was a man they wanted to stab with a cutlass.

    “In the course of the confusion, I began to run into a nearby house. I fell down and I was injured. About six vehicles, including mine, were damaged: their windscreens were smashed. The protesters went away with our keys.

    “I reported the incident at Ologede Police Station on Ikere Road.”

    Addressing reporters, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Modupe Alade said the NURTW leadership had contacted the governor to resolve the crisis.

    She said the detained driver was rude to the governor and refused to apologise.

    This, the SSG said, was the reason he was arrested and taken to court for traffic offence.

    Mrs. Alade said: “This driver drove recklessly against the convoy and he was arrested. Rather than apologise, he was rude to the governor. The governor asked him and his colleagues to apologise, but they refused.

    “The governor, as a no-nonsense person, won’t tolerate any threat from anybody; not until he apologises, he won’t be released.”

    Police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), refuted the claim of the NURTW men that one of them was shot.

    Adeyemi said: “Let me make it clear: nobody was shot by our men, and we have not even arrested anybody.

    “We are dialoguing with the leadership of the drivers’ unions and we are sure the matter will be resolved soon.”

     

  • Buhari welcome rally shuts down Ado-Ekiti

    Buhari welcome rally shuts down Ado-Ekiti

    …APC, Civil Society groups slam Fayose for “Death Wish”

    Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, was at a standstill for about two hours on Monday as residents under the aegis the Coalition of Civil Society groups staged a solidarity rally to weclome President Muhammadu Buhari back from his medical vacation.

    The coalition which includes the All Progressives Congress (APC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), labour leaders, youths, artisans, students, market women, commercial drivers and other interest groups slammed Governor Ayo Fayose for “wishing the President dead and making comments that could set the country on fire.”

    The rally which started at about 9.00 am at Okeyinmi Roundabout proceeded to Ijigbo before terminating at Mobil area in the city. Many of those who participated in the rally carried placards with various inscriptions.

    Some of the placards read: “Welcome Back Buhari, Shame On Fayose,” “On Buhari We Stand, Corruption Must Go,” “The Lion Is Finally Back Home,” “Fayose, You Are A Disappoinment To Ekiti People,” “Fayose Must Commit Suicide Now As Promised,” “Welcome Back, Baba, African Champion of War Against Corruption,” among others.

    The rally which was supervised by officers and men of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) caused a traffic snarl on the major highway in the city.

    Protest leaders who took turns to address the people expressed satisfaction with the Saturday’s return of Buhari to the country saying his return will add bite to the anti-corruption crusade and economic recovery.

    Ekiti APC Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye, said Buhari’s return has exposed what he called “the unending lies of Fayose” who he said never wished the President to come back home alive.

    Awe who accused Fayose of playing God on the health of President advised the governor to emulate his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike whom he said displayed maturity by joining other governors to welcome Buhari despite belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said: “God has put Fayose to shame on Buhari, God has silenced him for his lies on the President’s health. We appreciate the people of Ekiti State for their good wishes and prayers for our President throughout the time he was away.

    “Anybody wishing Buhari dead will go before him, we rejoice with our President that he arrived safely and this has put an end to all the lies of Fayose.

    “We urge Fayose to honour his promise, let him be man enough to commit suicide if Buhari returns alive as he had earlier promised.

    “Ekiti people are tired of is one-day-one-trouble government and one-day-one-propaganda government and we want to assure our people that Fayose’s day of reckoning is very near.”

    Coordinator of Progressive Youth League (PYL), Adeoye Aribasoye, berated Fayose for “raising false alarm” on the health of President by threatening to release eleven damaging pictures of Buhari on life support.

    Aribasoye: “God is greater than men, Fayose said he has eleven damaging pictures of Buhari. We want the whole world to know that whatever he says does not represent the view of Ekiti people.”

    Labour leader, Kolawole Olaiya, urged Buhari to probe how the proceeds of Paris Club refunds to Ekiti was spent by Fayose regretting that workers are suffering.

    “Olaiya said: “We want President Buhari to revisit the issue of the Paris Club refunds to Ekiti State. Local government workers in Ekiti have not received salaries for about nine months.”

    CNPP Chairman Tunji Ogunlola said: “Nigeria’s collective destiny cannot be aborted by a tiny group of crooks whose survival depend on the looting of our commonwealth.

    “It is on this strength that we believe the President’s return presents a fresh hope for the accomplishment of our collective dream for a great nation as he settles down to work.”

  • Police arraign 22 suspected commercial drivers in Ibadan

    Police arraign 22 suspected commercial drivers in Ibadan

    Suspected commercial drivers numbering 22 were yesterday arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command for offences bordering on perpetrating violence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The suspects were arrested during violent clashes between members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the city on Friday.

    They clashed at different motor parks, including Iwo Road, Monatan and Agugu.

    No life was lost but several people were injured.

    Among the suspects arraigned at an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan were  Modasiru Muraina, 48; Sikuru Olaiwola, 22; Oyebanji Kabiru, 23; Alade Busari, 28; Lateef Afeez 29; Safiu Abass 25; Tunde Saka 21; Mumini Ganiyu 40 and Ahmed Moshood 25.

    Others are Aminu Saibu, 37; Tunde Ajayi 23; Lukmon Rasheed, 31; Abudulahi Olode 35; Yekini Aliu 26; Akibu Kazeem 40; Muideen Anifowose 27; Mustapha Ogunjide 30, Oladipo Sakiru 53; Sunday Aromolaran 25; Peter Adekunle 34; Adesina Alaba 23 and Raheem Musa 42.

    They were charged with six-count of conspiracy, attempted murder, unlawful possession of criminal charms and acts in a disorderly manner.

    The charge sheet shows that the suspects were accused of an attempt to kill one Kazeem Oguntolu, 42, with cutlass.

    The first two counts of conspiracy and attempted murder were, however, not read to the defendants and no pleas were taken for the two charges.

    But the accused persons pleaded ‘not guilty’ to other charges of unlawful possession and acts likely to cause breach of public peace in the metropolis.

    Police prosecutor M. A. Ojeah said the defendants had in their possession criminal charms without lawful and reasonable excuse.

    He added that the offences contradicted Sections 80, 86, 213 and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

    Ojeah said the jurisdiction of the court did not extend to criminal offences that carry life imprisonment so the plea on attempted murder could not be taken before the court.

    “The court cannot equally grant bail when a court cannot try such offence in accordance to Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The power to grant bail in such matter is reserved for the high court judges,” he said.

    A counsel to one of the defendants, Mr. John Adejumo, urged the court to strike out all counts, including the one of attempted murder on the grounds that it lacked competence and failed to comply with statutory provisions.

    The magistrate, Mrs. A. F. Richard, adjourned the case till today for ruling on bail application and directed the accused to be remanded at the Iyaganku Police Station.

  • Rivers commercial drivers raise concern over ‘N100 compulsory bribe’

    Motorists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have called on the Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, to discourage officers who have made N100 bribe compulsory.

    The motorists made this demand 24 hours after tricycle riders plying Ada-George Road, Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area protested over continuous extortion and harassment by police officers attached to Rumukpakani Police Station.

    Mr. Paul Akujiobi, a commercial driver said the only thing they expect from the new CP is to discourage illegal extortion on the road and a serious fight against cultists in the state.

    He said police officers no longer do their constitutional duties but extort money from poor drivers under duress, adding that some officers do accuse drivers of crime they did not commit just because such driver refuses to give N100 bribe.

    Mr. Williams Ojo, another driver, alleged that he was locked up in police cell three days ago because he disobeyed a woman police officer who demanded for N100,bribe because he picked a passenger at Mile 3 Bus-stop.

    He said the CP should assist them to discipline officers who chase commercial drivers all over Port Harcourt because of N100 bribe,  neglecting the insecurity in the state to tackle.

    Ojo said: “The only thing I will say is that the new CP should stop the excessive demand for bribe by officers.  Police in the state are doing a lot of illegal businesses which has made them to ignore their constitutional responsibility.

    “Let me reveal this secret to you, when you go to mile 1 market and railway market at Education Bus-stop those people selling there contribute to police daily. So, there are a lot of extortions that I would want the new CP to stop.”

    Mr.  Chijioke, a Keke rider, would like  the CP to demolish the road block by Rumukpakani police at the front of their police station on Ada-George Road, stressing that they have turned the road block to a bank.

    “Every day and night they are there. They don’t beg us they made it compulsory as you pass you must pay your N100. If you give them less than that, you are in trouble and if don’t pay then ready for their harassment and intimidation.”

  • Borno gives 540 buses to commercial drivers

    Borno gives 540 buses to commercial drivers

    The Borno State Government has bought 540 buses for commercial drivers.

    Presenting the vehicles to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) officials in Maiduguri, the state capital, Governor Kashim Shettima said his administration is committed to promoting safe and affordable transportation for the people.

    Beneficiaries, he said, would only pay 50 percent of the cost of the vehicles by instalments over two years.

    He said: “The buses cost the state government about N1.1 million each and each beneficiary is expected to pay back N550,000 by instalments over a flexible period.”

    The gesture, Shettima maintained,was to help cushion the losses suffered by the drivers from the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that since the outbreak of the crisis, they have been suffering in silence.

    “Since Borno State started facing the challenges of insurgency in 2009, one group that has remained a silent victim is the NURTW.

    “Countless number of commercial drivers who are members of the union have lost their lives on account of moving people from one point to another visiting families and keeping our society functional.

    “We all know that once vehicles, especially commercial vehicles connecting states are out of the road, a society is brought to a halt. This is because more than 70 per cent of citizens all over Nigeria depend on commercial transport for mobility of trade, social and cultural activities.

    “This is a group that keeps Borno connected to the rest of Nigeria and helps in conveying our people in and out of this State so we can all exist as a society. If anyone recalls the attacks of Boko Haram along Ngamdu, Mainok, Benesheikh, Jos, Potiskum as well as the religious riots in Kaduna and reprisals in the southern Nigeria over the years, then he or she will appreciate commercial drivers under the NURTW, because often times, they were caught on the high ways,” the governor said.

    He said the government has embarked on some road projects aimed at opening up Maiduguri, which is not just the state capital but, the largest city and the economic hub of the Northeast.

    “We came with so much ambition to remodel Borno State and make it an envy of many states in Nigeria. We wanted to make Borno a place where every citizen would be proud of and by Allah’s will, we will succeed,” he added.

    The state NURTW Chairman Alhaji Bello Maduganari, lauded the governors gesture. He said no governor has paid attention to commercial drivers.

    He said: “By giving out 450 buses to the NURTW, the governor has not only made life easy for 540 beneficiaries, but also assisted 4500 families, because each of the buses would have direct impact on 10 families based on known projections worked out by the union many years ago.”

  • Driver sentenced for violating traffic law

    An Ojokoro Senior Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday sentenced a commercial bus driver, Kazeem Adedotun, to 50 hours of community service.

    But he was asked to pay a N50,000 fine in the alternative, for violating traffic laws.

    Adedotun, 32, was sentenced following his guilty plea to the four-count charge offence before Magistrate A. O. Layinka.

    “Having admitted the facts of the four-count charge offence, the accused, Kazeem Adedotun, is found guilty, as charged.

    “You are hereby sentenced to 50 hours of community service or pay a fine of N50, 000,” she said.

    Layinka said that Adedotun must present to the court a certificate of road worthiness and a fire extinguisher, before his vehicle would be released to him.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Lugard Ahonle, had told the court that Adedotun committed the offences on Feb. 23 on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway at 2.00 p.m.

    “Adedotun, who was driving a Ford commercial bus with registration number KJA 889 XD, picked passengers at unauthorised bus-stops, had no road worthiness certificate and hackney carriage paper,” he said.

    The offences, according to him, contravened Sections 26, 33, 45 and 56 of the Road Traffic Act.(NAN).

  • Lagos commercial drivers lament low patronage

    Lagos commercial drivers lament low patronage

    Business went bad for commercial bus operators in Lagos State yesterday because of the free ride offered residents by LAGBUS, a state-owned transport outfit.

    The operators spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in various parts of the state as vehicular traffic was light in many areas.

    Passengers were sparse at bus stops especially along the ever-busy Ikorodu Road, Oshodi-Iyana-Ipaja Road and Agege Motor Road, among others.

    Queues normally seen at LAGBUS shelters and those of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) were also absent; the buses waited for passengers at their take-off points.

    A commercial bus operator, Mr Lawal Adedoyin, who plies the Oshodi-Toll Gate route, said it was always difficult getting passengers on the first day of the year, adding that the few passengers available opted for the free ride provided by the state government.

    Adedoyin, who said that he came out to work to make some money for the New Year celebration, added: “This is my second trip on this route and passengers are very few; many of the bus stops are empty.”

    Mr Saheed Abiodun, another commercial driver on the Costain-Mile 12 route, also said: “What I expected is not what I met outside; my conductor, Tunji and I are tired of shouting for passengers.”

    Solomon Adeniyi, a commercial driver on the Oshodi-Iyana Ipaja axis, regretted coming out to work.

    Bolaji Ibrahim, a transporter on the Yaba-Obalende route, said: “I knew that people would not come out to today because of the New Year celebration; I just wanted to try my luck if I could get some money to spend in the evening.