Tricycle Operators in Delta Protest Alleged Extortion by Council Boss and Gov
On Saturday, a large group of Commercial tricycle operators expressed their anger through a warning protest in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, claiming they were being extorted by touts.
The protest took place at Jigbale market, where the tricycle operators gathered and obstructed the road that leads to Orhunwhorhun Community. They carried placards to convey their message.
The tricycle operators directed their accusations towards the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Udu Council Chairman, alleging that they were imposing excessive levies on them.
Anthony Igbebe, one of the commercial tricycle operators, spoke with our correspondent and explained that the purpose of the protest is to send a warning to the Delta State Government, urging them to take action on the raised concerns.
He emphasized that if the government fails to address the issues promptly, they would escalate their protest by blocking the Udu main bridge, effectively preventing any access through the area starting on Monday, July 17.
Anthony stated, "When 10,000 workers are affected by Monday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will personally witness the impact of our actions."
In addition, Igbebe made an appeal to the state Governor, requesting the expansion of the road to provide ample parking space for commercial tricycle operators, motorcycle operators, and other road users. This expansion would help prevent incidents of extortion.
Azubuike Alu, another tricycle operator, expressed the union's frustration with the harassment they face from touts. He claimed that both the Udu Council Chairman and the Governor have treated them unfairly by allegedly imposing extortionate levies.
Furthermore, John, another commercial tricycle operator, explained that they all participated in the protest because they had heard rumors that the Council chairman intended to ban their operations in the area.
Nevertheless, Peter Edariese, the Chairman of the Delta State branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), intervened to ease the tension and prevent any potential property damage by miscreants.
During his address to the protesters, Edariese urged them to uphold the law and refrain from engaging in destructive acts within the area.
Recognizing their right to peaceful protest, Edariese emphasized the importance of maintaining order and avoiding any destructive behavior, stating, "Exercise your right to protest, but do so in a peaceful and orderly manner, without causing harm or damage."
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