Commercial drivers in Rivers State on Tuesday raised the alarm over a potential violent clash with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as they staged a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt against what they described as persistent harassment, extortion, and multiple illegal levies imposed by road touts.
The protest, led by the Commercial Drivers Welfare Association (CDWA), took place at the Government House and the State Police Command Headquarters, where demonstrators carried placards condemning the activities of “agberos” and calling for urgent government intervention.
Speaking during the demonstration, CDWA Chairman, Comrade Christopher Ezeali, warned that continued inaction by authorities could trigger unrest, as frustration among drivers reaches a boiling point.
He decried what he termed the unchecked excesses of non-state actors operating across major transport corridors, noting that drivers now struggle to survive despite long working hours.
“We have exhausted all peaceful avenues, including media engagements, but our situation continues to worsen daily,” Ezeali said.
“We work tirelessly from morning till night, yet return home with little or nothing due to illegal and excessive levies. This exploitation is pushing many to the brink.”
Ezeali specifically accused some elements within the NURTW of enforcing unlawful levies on non-members, warning that such actions could spark a deadly confrontation if not urgently addressed.
“There is a growing tension in the system. If this continues unchecked, it may lead to a clash that could result in loss of lives,” he cautioned.
The association identified several flashpoints across Port Harcourt, including Rumuola, Rumokoro, Ikwerre Road, Abacha Road, and Eleme Junction, where drivers are allegedly subjected to frequent extortion.
Among its demands, the group called for the immediate introduction of a harmonised electronic tax system to eliminate multiple taxation and ensure transparency. It also urged the state government to ban the sale of local government tickets allegedly imposed across all 23 local government areas.
The drivers further appealed for increased police presence in high-risk areas to curb criminal activities, including car theft and attacks on motorists.
Responding to the protest, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ikechukwu Okoro, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, commended the drivers for their peaceful conduct.
He assured them that their grievances would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities, while urging restraint.
“The Nigerian Police remains committed to protecting lives and property. Do not take the law into your hands. We will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Despite the assurances, the protesters maintained that urgent and decisive action is needed to prevent the situation from degenerating into violence.
