One Reportedly Killed as Ebonyi Govt Enforces Relocation of Motor Parks in Abakaliki

-- Give us time-AMTO -- Passengers bemoan hike in fare BY ALO DAVID, ABAKALIKI A yet to be identified public driver who loaded from the new Central Motor park, opposite Ochudo Centenary city, Abakaliki on Thursday, October 7th, 2021 was reportedly shot dead on his way to Owerri.

According to a source who briefed our reporter on a ground of anonymity, hinted that the driver was allegedly shot dead after he defied the order banning inter state vehicular movement. However, Ebonyi state chairman, Association of Mass Transit Operators (AMTO) and Almagamated of Transport Union Ebonyi state chapter, Hon Fredrick Nwogbaga said death of a driver was not officially reported to his office. Nwogbaga who spoke to us in his Okeyson motor park, noted that commercial transport motor park owners embarked on industrial strike as to press for their demand after their agreement with the state government for the relocation to central motor park was bridged by agent of state government. According to him, they were shocked to see their motor parks sealed and business activities distrupted by agent of the state. "Actually,it was a surprise to us , not that we don't know that we had a bargain with the state government in respect to relocation into a new central motor park designated opposite Magret umahi International Market". "But there was an agreement which we reached that we are going to pay intention fees which payment is already on eighty percent and we are asked to pay some amount for space which members are also complying and m, thereafter, we opt to write to His Excellency on the side it is affecting our businesses; being time frame and also the amount". "So, we were denied of access to see His Excellency, but, rather, we were attacked three days ago that we should close which they forced us to close our parks and we have to run to save our lives with some of our property been damaged. The state AMTO Chairman stated that relocation to the central motor park becomes difficult as there was no reliable security and amenities in place for their businesses. "It is difficult operating at the central motor park for now since there's no reliable security to leave our vehicles in such an open space, no light, building or bank and our business demands it been operated where you can easily ferry to the bank to save money, coupled with the fact that the place has no fence which is part of the agreement we had. He pointed out that the new site has not meet up to the standard for their transport business and appealed for extension of time to enable them prepare for the relocation. "We are appealing that they should give us time even if it is six months since we can't mount a vehicle to serve as our office because as it stands now, the place is not conducive for our business. "While we're asking for the extension of time, government should also do their part by fixing the road, provide security and the road as agreed, hence, asking passengers to understand that the strike will not last forever". In contrast reaction, prince James Igwe, CEO UDISAM Transit, described the relocation as a new development that would help to match with the beauty of the state. Prince Igwe maintained optimistic that the relocation would be of advantage to commercial transport operators and advised them not to shutdown their business but dialogue with the state government for better result. Interacting with passengers who gave their names as comrade Eji Chijioke faulted government action noting that the exercise should have been properly announced to inform the masses, to prevent passengers from boarding the wrong vehicle popularly know as "one chance". He lamented that since the relocation, there's hike in transport fare" Enugu that use to be #700 is now 1000 naira. This is not fair, government should do something about it". Speaking also, Esther Igwe, noted that the location of the park was wrong, pointing out that parks should not be located close to the government house for security reasons and added that alot need to be fix at the park including roads and ensure adequate security to curtail activities of hoodlums in the park. Meanwhile drivers who spoke on anonymity told us that they're bleeding in their hearts since the forceful relocation and strike, and pleaded with the state Governor, Engr David umahi to urgently address the situation as to safe many drivers who depend on daily work to feed their families.