Ogun tricyclists set to join NURTW

Tricycle riders in Ogun State have expressed desire to join the National Union Of Road transport Workers (NURTW) in view of what they termed unfair treatment.

The group of riders, led by their coordinators, Collins Ezuma and Sunday Olusoji, in a letter written to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Iliyasu, hinged their decision on alleged life threatening problems.

The letter, endorsed by 15 zonal leaders entitled: “Enforcement of Fundamental Rights of Association as enshrined in section 40 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria”, alleged extortion by some illegal associations and lack of proper care.

Other problems outlined by the riders include, extortion of riders by external body that has been using illegal association to extort money from riders and lack of appropriate care for riders whenever there was accident on the roads.

Others complaints contained in the letter included harassment of riders by those who issue illegal tickets for riders, constant punishment of riders for failure to produce tricycle particulars by law enforcement agencies as well as act of slavery and oppression by tricycle owners.

“Since the commencement of our operation in Ogun State, life has not been all that rosy. On several occasions, we had encountered series of life threatening problems. We have no option since we have no other means of livelihood”,the letter stated.

The petitioners however said that they have resolved to legally join trade union registered to cater for all workers engaged in transportation of passengers and goods by road.