Operators of commercial tricycles in Awka, Anambra State capital on Thursday organized a peaceful protest against alleged extortion from police operatives.
The operatives said they were being arrested by police operatives over drivers license and other particulars.
Chairman of Anambra Keke Riders Forum, AKDF, Mr Ifeanyi Okafor who led members on the protest said their members were being arrested and their tricycles impounded over lack of drivers license, especially when they refuse to give bribe to policemen on duty.
Coordinator of the group, Osita Obi, also added that it was unwise for police to arrest operators for drivers license while the state revenue agents are also after them for riders permit. He said it amounted to proliferation of taxes.
“No Keke driver in Anambra today has driver’s license, except those who have cars amongst them. Already, state government revenue agents are also troubling them over riders permit, and I think this is multiple taxation.”
In reaction, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Awka, CSP Uche Noah who addressed the protesters also resolved the issue by ordering the release of all impounded tricycles. He however insisted that it was compulsory for tricyclists to have complete particulars, as it helps for identification in cases of robbery.
Speaking on the proliferation of taxes, he said he would allow for time, for the state government to harmonize its taxes to avoid multiple taxation among the operators.
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