Joint Drivers’ Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) in Lagos has commenced a seven-day strike over “multiple and excessive extortions” by the Parks Management Committee headed by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Commuters grudgingly pay the high fares to connect to their destinations, while others are seen trekking long distances.
In a statement, JDWAN’s lawyer, Ayo Ademiluyi lamented “excessive and illegal ticketing and tolling” at almost every bus stop in the state.
According to him, commercial bus drivers have been sentenced to extortion and violent harassment by MC Oluomo’s men.
“On a daily basis, we lose half of our income to the motor park boys. We pay exorbitant charges in the garages and at every bus stop where we drop off passengers, whether we pick up passengers or not, we pay morning, afternoon, and night. Some routes have 25 bus stops which also serve as illegal tax collection avenues,” the statement partly read.
“When we resist the extortion, we get arrested and pay N10,000 for bail to the police while the motor park boys go scot free and we also have to bail our buses separately.
