PRESS STATEMENT.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State is irked by the arbitrary hike in taxi fare from N50 to N100 per short distance in Akure, the State capital due to increment of the daily levy for taxi drivers from N250 to N700 by the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) under Jacob Adebo popular known as Idajo.
It is a generally known fact that Idajo was the arrowhead of a violent wing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that terrorized Ondo State people before and during Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s second term bid in October, 2020. The increment in levy for taxi drivers is a carefully drawn ploy to compensate Idajo for his ignoble roles during the election.
The PDP condemns in strong terms this importunate, inconsiderate, inhuman and insensitive action of the NURTW in a morbid rush to generate revenues that may ultimately find their way into the private pockets of a few privileged allies of the Governor.
Ondo State workers are already under the yoke of salaries that are not only irregular but reduced by 50%.
Why must the governor look the other way while those he enthroned milk the public dry?
Our party thinks that instead of further overburdening the people who are only making ends meet amidst a ravaging pandemic, general unemployment and economic doldrums, the government should have looked inwards by blocking all the loopholes and conduit pipe through which the State resources are being fleeced uncontrollably.
Our party however encourages the people of Ondo State to endure for a little time and pray along in that weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning.
And the morning is at the door!
Leye Igbabo
Ag. Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Ondo State.