The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has resolved the dispute between minibus drivers plying the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo route and transport union executive over multiple levies after a PUNCH Metro report.
Abiodun, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Transportation, Abiodun Adebiyi, at a meeting held at the union’s office in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, addressed the concerns raised by the drivers.
PUNCH Metro recalled that the drivers had accused the union of imposing multiple levies on them, which they claimed had made life unbearable for them.
They had on Monday protested the increase in the levies and also took their grievances to the Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday, seeking the intervention of the state governor.
Addressing the meeting, Adebiyi disclosed that the state governor, in his compassionate attitude, had prevailed on the union to scrap all multiple levies, while tickets had been regulated to two bus stops per driver in a day.
According to him, the decision was in recognition of the current hardship facing the majority of Nigerians caused by the dwindling economy.
“We received the concerns of the drivers, and as an administration that is committed to the welfare of the people, we have come to intervene. The governor, in his magnanimity, has directed that we resolve the issue.
“We have arrived at some conclusions and all parties have come to a win-win agreement. The governor understands the situation of the country, which is why we have intervened.”
Speaking on behalf of the union, the Zonal Secretary, Abiodun Akinyemi, said they recognised the drivers as partners in the progress of the transportation sector and would not undermine their efforts.
He added that the union is committed to the welfare of the drivers as a regulator and had decided to yield to the agreement and resolutions of the meeting.
“We have resolved the issue, and their (drivers’) concerns have been addressed. We are partners in progress. It is just a little misunderstanding, and as you can see, the matter has been laid bare,” Akinyemi said.
Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Mr Abiodun Owolabi appreciated the governor for his concern and intervention, while stressing that a certain agreement had been reached by the two parties.
He also appreciated the management of PUNCH newspaper for its support through its publication.
“We are very glad that the issue has been resolved. The matter has been brought to a conclusion through the intervention of the governor. We appreciate the governor for his fatherly role, the union leadership for their magnanimity, and the Commissioner for Transportation for his intervention.
“Some of the agreements we reached were that only two tickets should be given to us in a day, while we retain the loading fee at each bus stop if we pick passengers from there. It was also agreed that levies such as the marker fee and the chairman’s feeding fee, among others, be scrapped.
“We want to sincerely appreciate PUNCH newspaper for giving us a voice, which led to the success we recorded today,” Owolabi said.
