The PUNCH reports that the drivers in Lagos State embarked on a boycott on Monday, October 31, 2022, over extortions on the roads allegedly by the motor parks and garages management in the state.
A statement co-signed by Olayiwola and the Lagos Public Relations Officer of the party, Osatohamhen Ebhohon, made available to The PUNCH on Monday, stated, “The AAC and her governorship candidate condemn the attack and threat on drivers over the seven-day resistance of motor park extortion and oppression.”
“It has come to our knowledge at the AAC Lagos that the state-sponsored thugs disguised as Transportation Parks and Garages Management Committee led by Musiliu Akinsanya aka “MC Oluomo” are actively trying to demobilise and demoralise the members of JDWAN on the seven-day strike they embarked on, starting today. One of JDWAN drivers, Ashimiyu Idowu, in the Iworo area of Badagry was kidnapped, tortured and later released by a team of motor park thugs,” they alleged.
“The AAC and the governorship candidate, Akeem Olayiwola, condemn this act of barbarism perpetuated by thugs. They have turned Lagos into a den of disorderliness, where human and constitutional rights are blatantly scorned on.
“We want to remind the All Progressives Congress government which claims to govern and not rule, that it is the constitutional right of these transport workers to protest in whatever manner they chose. These workers have not barricaded the roads like they claimed the #EndSars protesters did. Rather, they chose to boycott the road today by resting at home.
“Even with this commendable peace resistance to the oppression and extortion, these drivers are still being targeted, brutalised, and threatened,” the statement said.
They further called on Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu to, “for the sake of posterity, do the right thing and at once and order the police force to immediately launch an investigation into the kidnapping and brutalisation of Idowu. Musiliu Akinsanya aka “MC Oluomo” and Gbadamosi. (Chairman motor park management from Agbara to Seme) should be called in for questioning.”
“Lastly, the AAC party remains the total solidarity with JDWAN, we implore all civil groups, society, and good people of Lagos and Nigeria to join the boycott,” the statement concluded.
The PUNCH reports that following the strike, increase in the costs of transport fare in parts of Lagos was observed as the drivers withdrew their services.
Along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a trip from First Gate bus stop to Orile, that used to go for ₦150, the minibuses’ drivers charged ₦250. Mile 2 to Ketu/Mile 12 became ₦500 from initial ₦400.
