Lagos Commercial Bus Drivers Continue Strike, Say Members’ Vehicles Vandalized By Thugs

Commercial bus drivers under the aegis of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association of Nigeria (JDWAN) have insisted on continuing their boycott of Lagos roads until its leadership meets with the state government representative tomorrow (Friday).

This follows the postponement of the meeting slated to hold yesterday Wednesday between JDWAN’s leadership and the Lagos state government representatives to Friday 4th November 2022.

Naija News reports that the striking drivers had disclosed this in a statement issued late Wednesday by JDWAN National Leader, Abiodun Akintade.

Akintade was reported to have issued the statement after the group’s meeting with the state government, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Abdulhafiz Toriola.

According to JDWAN, representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association were reportedly around, “but left before our arrival.”

Akintade added that “We made our presentation on the situations that caused the strike and our demands. The government’s team feigned sympathy with us. They, however, said they wanted us to have both representatives of the NURTW and the RTEAN also be in the negotiations so they could present their own sides of the story.

“So, the meeting was adjourned till Friday by 12pm at the Alausa Secretariat.”

The strike which enters its fourth day today has been reported to have caused lots of inconveniences for commuters who JDWAN has urged to bear with them.

Naija News gathered that the group who appreciated members for their commitment to the course said “Thank you for steadfastness, loyalty, and dedication to this struggle for our freedom. We want them to be patient and keep on with the strike until the Friday meeting. By Friday, the strike would be five working days, and we are happy that we have been justified largely thus far.

“We want Lagosians who are our customers and commuters to bear with us as we all face the consequences of extortion. But we cannot be working like machines and few people would be eating like gluttons. How monkey dey work, and na baboons dey chop?! This must not continue!”

The group alleged that its members’ vehicles were vandalized by the motor park thugs and were yet to be repaired.

It also added that “two of our members are still locked up at Morogbo Police Station (Area K Command, Badagry) without committing any crime. The officers in charge are mandating us to beg the Agberos before they can be released. We demand the unconditional release of our members immediately.

“We also want to say that we are amazed that representatives suddenly emerge from the NURTW and the RTEAN that has been banned in Lagos State. While JDWAN is not affiliated to both and our members are not official members of both unions, we call on the National Leadership of the NURTW and the RTEAN to publicly clarify our doubts,” Akintade stated.