Angry commercial tricycle operators, numbering in the hundreds, staged a warning protest on Saturday in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. The protest was in response to alleged extortion by touts.
The tricycle operators staged a protest at Jigbale market, effectively blocking the road that leads to Orhunwhorhun Community. They expressed their grievances by brandishing placards.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Udu Council Chairman have been accused of imposing allegedly outrageous levies on the residents.
One of the commercial tricycle operators, Anthony Igbebe, who spoke with our correspondent, stated that the protest serves as a warning to the Delta State Government to address the raised issues.
He stated that if the failure occurs, they will block the Udu main bridge and prohibit any access through the area by Monday, July 17th.
By Monday, when approximately 10,000 workers are expected to be affected, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will be present at this location.
Igbebe also appealed to the state Governor to consider expanding the road. This would allow commercial tricycle operators, motorcycle operators, and other road users to park more conveniently and prevent instances of extortion.
Another tricycle operator, Azubuike Alu, expressed his dissatisfaction with the union’s inability to address the issue of molestation by touts. He claimed that both the Udu Council Chairman and the Governor have been unfair to them by allegedly extorting levies.
Another commercial tricycle operator, identified as John, stated that they participated in the protest due to rumors circulating about the Council boss intending to prohibit their operations in the area.
However, Peter Edariese, the Chairman of the Delta State branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), intervened to alleviate the tension and prevent the potential destruction of properties by hoodlums.
During his address to the protesters, Edariese emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and urged them to refrain from engaging in property destruction within the vicinity.
Edariese emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s right to freedom of protest while also cautioning against engaging in disorderly and destructive behavior.