Tricycle Protests: Soludo moves to upstage revenue touts

By Adeleye Kunle

Last Thursday and Friday, movement was grounded in the capital city of Awka, Anambra State, as commercial tricycle and shuttle bus operators downed tools.

Workers and traders who prepared to leave for work were unable to arrive at their work and business places as a result of the strike by the protesters.

Several persons were seen stranded at bus stops, including pupils and students who could not make it to school because of the absence of the operators. Though it was not clear to many what could have gone wrong, until around 10 am when tricyclists arrived at major junctions, setting bonfires and chanting protest songs.

In Awka, there is a high level of cultism, which many have attributed to tricycle operators, their union leaders and bigwigs who receive returns from many dedicated routes across the city.

Recently, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo announced a new tax regime for the operators and gave months of grace, which has expired. Upon the expiration of the grace period, Soludo announced that the tricycle operators in the State will pay tax monthly, as against the daily payment they made.

A press release from the State Internal Revenue Board, signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr Richard Madiebo stated in part that: “Tricycle operators will pay a monthly N15,000, shuttle bus operators will pay N20,000 monthly