On Sunday, the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN), announced that its proposed seven days strike begins today, Monday 31st October 2022, as its meeting with the Lagos state government was not fruitful. This was made known by The JDWAN National Leader, Akintade Abiodun.
Akintade said that some representatives of the Association met with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engineer Abdulhafiz Toriola, and the Motor park Management Liaison Officer, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu (AIG rtd), in the company of Barrister Ayo Ademiluyi, the Legal Adviser of JDWAN. He revealed the intent of the meeting which took place over the weekend, to be to reach an agreement of their demands with the Lagos state government. He further added that the meeting was unsuccessful as all the drivers got series of threats, instead of reaching an agreement. As a result, the strike will happen as scheduled.
The representatives of the Lagos state government requested that another letter be submitted on Monday, which was regarded as a joke on the part of JDWAN. The Association had released a Press statement with concise demands, and honoured the demand to deliver physical copies of the letters to the Lagos state government, the SSS, The Commissioner of Police, and Commissioner for Transport respectively.
The strike will be observed by Commercial Bus Drivers and Owners Operators of Lagos (CBDOP), Mini Bus Drivers Welfare Association (MNDWA), Mega City Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (MCDWA), Owners, Drivers and Conductors Association (ODCA), Ibile Drivers Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (DSWAN), and Federal Assisted Mass Transit Incorporation (FAMTI).
Akintade revealed that the retired AIG said it was impossible for them to get rid of bus stop extortionists because they are working for the state government. He further highlighted that the retired AIG said that MC Oluomo could organize thugs to attack drivers, but the drivers will be blamed for the violence. The Assistant Minister of Transportation also threatened to arrest the drivers and their Lawyer, while they were in their office.
There is an existing restraining court order granted by Justice P.O LIFU of the Federal High Court Ikoyi, against the Lagos state government and all transport agencies, stopping them from ticketing, bus stop levies, motor park levies, dues and any form of extortion from commercial drivers with suit no: FHC/L/CS/224/2022 between applicant barrister olukoya ogungbeje, transport Union society of Nigeria (TUSON) and respondents NURTW, RTEAN, NARTO, Musiliu Akinsanya (Mc Oluomo), Mohammed Musa, Lawal Yusuf Othman, Lagos State Government, Arttoney General of Lagos State, Inspector General of Police, Director General of State Security Service.
Akintade added that the statement of threat by Hakeem Odumosu that MC oluomo could attack their members, is already happening, through Sile Sekoni (burger) of badagry roundabout motor park management branch, JAFO (oniba of iba) of caretaker committee, iba branch, Seyi bamgbose (student) of Iyana iba caretaker committee branch who threatened to beat and kill drivers on Monday 31st of October. JDWAN notes that lagosians must be aware that if anything happens to their drivers, the elements named above should be held responsible.
