MICRA operators in Ibadan today protested to register their grievance against the introduction of new fees while subjecting thousands of commuters and other road users who ply Mokola-Ojoo, Oje-Ojoo, UI-Ojoo, Beere-Ojoo among others to link other parts of Ibadan metropolis at Ajibode junction to sudden hardship for several hours.
The helpless operators therefore called for the abolition of the union (NURTW) in the state which they described the worst thing that happens daily.
The operators, mostly are in their middle age had reportedly descended on the NURTW officials before a team of combined security agents were moved to the area to resolve further escalation.
The vexed commercial car drivers after the clash instructed their members to down tool and excuse their passengers after getting to the junction.
Thousands of commuters plying the location were stranded. The situation, also turned enterprise for commercial motorcyclists who made brisk business by charging exorbitant prices.
Hundreds of Micra cars were seen parked at both sides of the two-dual carriage expressway. But the security agents were well positioned at the junction
However, one of the officials of the NURTW disclosed that the issue is a union matter which has been settled.
He insisted, “this is a union matter, it has been settled. Let me give you my phone number. Call me back and meet me in the office.
He, however later declined to make comments saying it is their leaders that can make comments on the issue. The operators, however said the issue has not been solved.
According to Mr. Saheed Wasiu, one of the vexed drivers, “what happened today is that, the NURTW want to introduce another fees here, they have pushed us to the wall, they are fond of establishing illegal garages where they collect money from us, from junction to junction to the extend that they have introduced after (money they collect from 4-8 pm).
“This morning, they said they want to start collecting money from us, each side is N100 and both side is N200 in three times, morning, afternoon and after (evening).
Also, another operator submitted, “we want their leaders to intervene, we don’t have any money left as take home.
“From Ojoo to Dugbe, we pay N2,000 every day and now they want to introduce another one now.
“In essence, we don’t want union again, we don’t want money for Saturday and Sunday anymore. It was not like this during Tokyo era”, he lamented.
