Commercial drivers in Owerri, the Imo capital, have protested a forceful clampdown on vehicles using tinted glasses by the authorities of the Imo state Government.
Some of the protesting drivers who spoke with C-Advocate described the enforcement as “without regard for human life and safety” and called on the authorities to exhibit civility as they enforce the directive.
Mr John Okobi, a driver, said that “using gunshots to cause a scare is largely inappropriate and uncivil, especially as residents live in fear of the unknown”.
He advised members of the government’s task force not to take undue advantage of their assignment to generate more fear, but to approach it with respect for the rights of citizens.
Another driver, Mr Peter Umenwa, argued that adequate public sensitization did not take place before the enforcement, hence the need to approach the situation with some restraint.
Reacting, Gov. Hope Uzodinma’s Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr Jones Onwuasoanya, said that the directive for a clampdown on vehicles using tinted glasses was in response to outcries by Imo people, civil society groups, activists and various individuals and groups who raised concerns over incidents of crime and harassment perpetrated with such buses by unknown individuals.
He added that “a few infiltrators whose membership and legality within the Imo Transport Union, is contentious, defied this simple directive aimed primarily at guaranteeing the security and safety of Imo people.
He called for total compliance with the directive while assuring members of the public that the state government would not interfere with citizens’ rights to protest.
“ It is therefore pertinent to emphasize that the directive for a clampdown on all commercial shuttle buses with tinted glasses, stands, and every Bus Imo operator is expected to abide by this directive, in their interest.
“ Genuine complaints regarding any excesses by Task Force members should be directed to appropriate authorities “, he said.
C-Advocate reports that vehicular movement was largely disturbed, with the passengers trekking on the highways as there were no commercial buses on Tuesday.
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