Group Condemns Increased Daily Ticket For Commercial Motorcyclists in A’Ibom

A human rights group has condemned what it described as an arbitrary increase in the price of daily ticket for commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as ‘okada’ in Akwa Ibom, despite the current hardship in Nigeria, saying reverting the price to one hundred naira as it was before would palliate this seemingly harsh economy on their livelihood.
Saviour Akpan, who is the Akwa Ibom State cluster lead for Civic Space Watch Cluster and Palladium, with support from USAID and powered in Akwa Ibom State by COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace building and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), made the condemnation while featuring on a radio programme anchored by Passion 94.5 FM, Uyo.
Speaking on the topic: “ Government Policies and the Plights of the Poor”, Akpan frowned at the development, saying the failure of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Transport to consult relevant stakeholders within the sub-sector before the increase, had depicted the state government as insensitive to the present excruciating economic state in the country.
The human rights activist expressed worry that while the policy could add to the shrinking of the civic space, it was also an ill-conceived adventure, as it did not factor in the fundamental human rights of citizens which allow them to ventilate their opinions on matters concerning their well-being.
He said apart from the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the constitution, Nigeria must recognise that she is a signatory to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights which, according to him, is binding also on Akwa Ibom State as a federating unit.
“We condemn government’s arbitrary increase in the price of daily ticket for commercial motorcyclists in Akwa Ibom from N100 to N200. While we are not against government setting up parameters for internally generated revenue, we are of the opinion that, as far as the fundamental human rights are clearly spelt out, it would have been better if the Ministry of Transport had recognized this, by consulting stakeholders and the okada riders before embarking on the increase,” Akpan stated.
He appealed to the state government through the Transport Ministry to reconsider its decision and revert to the old price of N100 daily.
The Akwa Ibom State cluster lead who believes that the reversal would placate some Nigerians who are currently suffering, proposed three months tax holidays for okada riders in Akwa Ibom, a period he said would enable government consult and come out with some middle grounds.
“Ministry of Transport should please reconsider its stand on this matter. This will reduce the hardship of the okada riders in the state. Government should even give a tax holiday, maybe from January to March. During this period, government can then consult relevant stakeholders”, Akpan appealed.
The human rights advocate expressed hope that the administration of Governor Umo Eno, being human-centred, would address this unfavourable policy without delay.