By adedeji tunji
A group under the aegis of Drivers Welfare Club of Nigeria Imo State Chapter led by Elder Anaelechi Ukawunne has staged a peaceful protest to draw the attention of Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha over an alleged extortion, intimidation and molestation of its members by men of the National Union of Road Transport workers.
Protesters numbering over 1000 stormed Imo Government House Owerri at the early hours of the day on 18th November, 2013. Armed with placards with various inscriptions which include extortion is too much, Ban NURTW, Agboro is a problem to us as the list is endless.
Addressing Journalists during the protest, Elder Anaelechi Ukawunne the chairman of DWCN described the activities of NURTW as nefarious, crying out to Imo State Governor to rescue its association from the clutches of NURTW. He added that its members work from dusk to dawn with nothing to show for their efforts as they wallow in abject poverty due to extortion by men of NURTW. He further reiterated their willingness to be paying 10% commission and buying Local Government daily tickets in the parks from any approved body, stressing that the association will not subscribe to any unlawful levy under any guise.
Speaking after, Chief Achunwa Njemanze the mayor of Owerri who spoke onbehalf of Imo State government commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition while registering their grievance. He further promised the protesters that by the power conferred on him by the Government of Imo State he will ensure that their complaints received urgent attention.
All effort made to reach the chairman of NURTW Mr Emeka Lloyd proved abortive as he refused to pick his calls.
