By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The State Joint Transport and Traders and Marketers Association have announced a one-day warning strike in response to the Plateau State Government’s Executive Order 003, which bans trucks from entering Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
The association expressed dissatisfaction with the order, stating that it is detrimental to their businesses’ survival.
The Executive Order was issued recently in an effort to control buildings and vehicular traffic in Plateau State. Following its implementation, a significant number of articulated vehicles have been seized by the taskforce responsible for enforcement.
Addressing newsmen over the development in Jos, Plateau, the Chairman of the Association, Samaila Garba, along with other executive members of the association, called on the government to review its decisions, adding that such policies of the government could frustrate and jeopardize their business operations.
“It is with a heavy heart that we address you today, as you are aware of the pain and hardship our members and the common citizens of Plateau State are going through as a result of the signing and implementation of Executive Order 003, 2024, for the Control of Buildings and Vehicular Traffic in Plateau, wherein more than 25 trucks had been impounded by Mr. Hart Bankat, the General Manager of JMDB, on behalf of the Plateau State Government on the premise of a violation of the said Executive Order on the first day of its implementation,” he said.
He highlighted that majority of the impounded trucks were not in transit on the roads, but were instead unloading at different stores and shops and were subsequently towed to the VIO office at Anglo Jos.
Additionally, he mentioned that the government had made a decision to withhold the trucks from their owners until a fine of N500,000 per truck was settled.
The Association announced their concerns about the government’s refusal to address their complaints. The Association’s mandate includes promoting peace, economic stability, and acceptable behavior in society.
The Chairman of the Association expressed readiness to support the state government in creating a conducive business environment to boost the state’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR).
However, the Association strongly disagreed with the government’s decision to allow vehicles to be parked in an open space that poses a security threat.
He said, “We had earlier sat with government officials, but this has not yielded any positive result. There is no doubt that having overstretched our patience and non-adherence to democratic tenets, rule of law, and constitutionalism necessitated this press conference”.
The joint association urged the state government to release their impounded trucks, provide designated routes for trucks, and ensure the smooth movement of goods to Northeast and Northwestern states.
“We will pursue all available legal options to protect our fundamental rights. Tomorrow, April 3rd, 2024, has been declared a warning strike where we will stay at home to protest against Executive Order 003, 2024. We will continue this action until a satisfactory resolution is reached,” stated a spokesperson for the association.
Leave a Reply