ONITSHA – Shuttle bus drivers in Anambra State have protested against the compulsory painting of their buses in the state’s yellow-and-black colors. The protest began at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square and moved through the Jerome Udoji Secretariat to the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) office along the Enugu-Awka Expressway.
In response to the protest, the Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Pat Igwebuike, directed Emeka ‘Konti’ Okonkwo, Managing Director of ARTMA to stop harassing the drivers and confiscating their vehicles.
Chibuzor Idika, the spokesman for the drivers, explained that they were not opposed to painting their vehicles but needed more time to raise the necessary funds. He highlighted that many drivers operate on a hire purchase basis and maintain their vehicles while making regular payments to the sellers.
Idika also noted the ongoing harassment and intimidation by ARTMA officials and appealed for adherence to the Commissioner’s directive to halt arrests until further notice. He expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and commended Governor Soludo for understanding their plight and supporting the drivers.
Tochukwu Anagboso, the Coordinator of Bus Drivers at Upper Iweka, expressed disappointment with the ill-treatment of drivers by government officials. He emphasized the critical services provided by shuttle bus drivers and urged that their operations are not disrupted to avoid adverse effects on households and the economy. Anagboso also requested more time for drivers to paint their buses in the Anambra colors.
AT Reporter
