By Ifeoma Ejiofor
Recover Nigeria Project (RNP) has opposed the four thousand Naira (N4000) imposed on Tricycle (Keke) operators in Awka North and Awka South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.
The position of the group was contained in a press release signed by the convener and coordinator of RNP, Comrade Ositadimma Obi.
“We have it on good authority that some unscrupulous elements working in partnership with Anambra State Ministry for Transportation has perfected plans to use cultists and other outlaws to enforce compliance.
“Recover Nigeria Project wish to place it on record that many of the operators are graduates of higher institutions of learning who are struggling to make ends meet due to the failure of government at different levels to offer them gainful employment.
“It is our candid opinion that rather than the government to be part of the conspiracy against the hardworking youths through imposition of ridiculous levies and taxes on the Keke operators, the government in sane environment should be thinking of how to assist these law abiding individuals.
“We wish to place it on record that many of the Recover Nigeria Project members who are nursing ambition to become Local Government Chairmen and Councillors are forced to become tricyclist riders due to the failure of the government to conduct council polls.” Comrade Obi explained.
He pointed out that the plan to use cultists and other outlaws to enforce the Christmas party levy is nothing but an open invitation to anarchy and that the Ministry for Transportation should be held responsible for the possible resultant breach of peace that would greet the inglorious imposition.
“As a responsible Organization, Recover Nigeria Project is not against any person or persons trying to celebrate the Yuletide in whatever way they deemed fit but such celebrations should be optional and not by force.
“The economic reality in the country today, Anambra State inclusive has make it imperative for families to start planning ahead for the incoming 2022 when school fees, house rents and other levies must be paid and as such cannot to afford to embark on a frivolous Christmas party celebrations.
“It is in the light of the above that we call on the persons behind the planned Christmas party for Keke operators to have a rethink and allow operators celebrate the Yuletide in the best way convenient for them without any iota of subjugation and intimidation.” Obi insisted.
The coordinator of RNP said that his group will not fold her hand and allow her members who are forced to take up the business of tricycling just to survive be subjected to any form assault and criminal extortion.
“It is a well known axiom that for every action, there is equal and opposite reaction. Nobody has the monopoly of violence! Recover Nigeria Project is a peaceful Organization but we will not allow our members to be criminally exploited by the Anambra State Ministry for Transportation and their agents, our members should be allowed to enjoy the joy of the Christmas season according to their economic powers. We make this appeal for the sake of peace.” Comrade Obi stressed.
He appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, the senator representing Anambra Central senatorial zone, Iyom(Dr) Uche Ekwunife, the lawmaker representing Awka North and South Local Government Areas in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Chinedu Onwuaso, Anambra State Commissoner of Police, Director of DSS and other stakeholders to prevail on the Ministry for Transportation to discontinue it’s plan enforcement of the Christmas party levy.