Ajiri Imah
A group, Coalition of Ekiti Civil Society Organisations (COECSO) on Wednesday condemned the restrictions of commercial transportation across Ekiti State on Tuesday, 17th January, 2023.
According to them, the restriction was wrong as there was no prior notice in the media to inform the public.
The Chairman of COECSO, Professor C.T Oluwadare who said this in a press conference in Ado-Ekiti called on stakeholders in the state to ensure that the act is effectively curtailed, so as to avoid a repitition of such.
According to him, following the restriction of transportation, there were reports of harassments and intimidation as motorcycles were seized from commercial transporters, school runs disrupted, pupils emotionally troubled and on-going examination of a tertiary institution was cancelled.
He however urged the people of the state to go about their lawful duties without any fear, charging them to shun fake news that can create tension in the public.
In his words: “The restriction order directed to her members by the various commercial transporter union’s left many citizens stranded, as children who depends solely on these means of transportation could not go to school, those going to offices had to go back he while she business owners could not find their way to their shops. Those that had important journeys to embark on by public transport were forced to reschedule, as the unannounced action of the unions met citizens unprepared.
“There was no prior notice or announcement of any planned restriction of movements in the media or any channel to the public whatsoever unlike when transport fares of taxis were increased with much online publicity.
“The Coalition urges all citizens to go about their lawful duties without any fear and should shun any fake news that can create tension in the public space. Citizens who have not collected PVC should determine to visit their respective wards or INEC LGA office to collect it and be ready more than ever before to speak with their thumb through voting.”
On his part, the General Secretary of Association of Persons with Disability, Olajide Funso condemned the restriction on transportation, revealing that persons’ with disability were not put into consideration as they had struggles going about their daily activities.
A representative of Balm of Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), Tumininu Adedeji also condemned the restrictions, saying that prayers of such shouldn’t shut down essential services and the government should strategize on things that would bring solutions not problems.
According to Tumininu, her colleague was beaten alongside an okada rider and was forced to delete evidence of the assault on his phone.