Truck drivers numbering over one hundred and eighty have embarked on peaceful demonstration requesting for a reverse of sudden increase in the market levy at the Linus Edeh memorial Timber Shade Abakaliki.
The chairman of Drivers Delivery Association, Timber Shade, Mr Ogbonna Nkwede said that the protest was a way to register their grievances and appealed for Ebonyi state government's intervention in ensuring that the levy hike is quickly reversed.
Mr Ogbonna who threatened indefinite strike should the market refused taking action said that one of the timber shade levies which was five hundred naira was raised to three thousand naira for 608, tricycles, and other members vehicles operating in the market.
Also, the Secretary, Mr Joseph Eze accused the market leaders of destroying their office and chasing all the vehicles away from the park and falling tree where drivers rest during the day and urged Ebonyi state government to intervene and bring permanent peace in the market.
Corroborating, the General Chairman mini truck operators in Ebonyi state, Mr Nnadi Everest expressed displeasure over the market leadership position, but called on the drivers to remain law abiding as they wait government response.
Reacting, the chairman, Linus Edeh Memorial Timber Shade,Comrade Israel Ochishi stated that the review and increment in the internal levy is to improve maintenance in the market essentially in the area of road so as to make it motorable for vehicles during rainy season.
He further refuted the claim of chasing the drivers out of the market saying that the demolition of shanties was inline with government directive to create expanded space for smooth running of drivers activities in the market while appealing for dialogue in their next general meeting.
When contacted on phone, the state Commissioner for Transport and Special project, Prince Emeka Igboke condemned the levy increment saying that Ebonyi state government is making efforts to bring the two parties together for a common understanding.
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