5th April, 2012
The Three Wheelers Beneficiary and Operators Association of Nigeria (TWBOAN), Lagos State Chapter, Southwest Nigeria, has alerted the State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar on a plot by some hoodlums to cause mayhem at tricycle parks.
Addressing a news conference in Lagos, the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Moses Buhari said it became pertinent to call the attention of the state government and the police to the nefarious activities of some members of the State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport of Workers (NURTW) who want to forcefully take over tricycle parks in some parts of Lagos.
He alleged that the NURTW members connived with some police officers and men to invade their parks, harass, intimidate and seize tricycles of the members.
According to Comrade Buhari, on 29 March, 2012, “policemen from the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Adeniji-Adele, Lagos annex in company of some hoodlums in NURTW, stormed our parks in Ejigbo and Isolo area of Lagos State and Physically harassed, humilated us and seized our tricycles.
“I was personally attacked, humiliated and detained without committing any offence. The invasion of our parks is uncalled for as we are the bonafide association recognised by the local governments of such areas and given the permit to operate since 1998”.
He warned against a repeat of the mayhem caused by the NURTW in Lagos Island and Lawanson in Surulere last month during which some people were killed and several injured, saying that members of his association are law abiding citizens.
Comrade Buhari debunked the reports that tricycle operators were planning to go on strike in solidarity with okada riders, declaring that such thought or plan never crossed their mind as they enjoy relative peace with the state government.
He, however, warned that his association would not tolerate any act that might jeopardise the interest of its members and would resist attempt by individuals or groups to distrupt their duty or destabilise the association.
Contacted on phone on the development, the chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Shamusideen Olaleye said he was not aware of double issuance of permit, but promised to look into the matter immediately.