CurrentReport Blog Over 500 Keke tricycle operators took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against what they termed illegal levies imposed by individuals they identified as touts and fake revenue agents. The protest was organized under the banner of the Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF).
The operators voiced their grievances, accusing these unauthorized individuals of demanding a compulsory payment of N300.00 for so-called “security profiling.” This fee is purportedly for capturing the operators’ details in a database. In addition to the N300.00 fee, the operators are also allegedly forced to pay N200.00 and N100.00 for each passenger they pick up, further straining their earnings.
Allegations of Extortion and Brutality
According to Mr. Collins Udeh, a spokesman for AKDF, the forced payments are tantamount to extortion. “What is happening in Anambra state is a rip-off on innocent transportation operators,” he said. “They force our members to pay these amounts under the guise of security profiling, and if you refuse, they send touts and thugs after you. Many of our members have been victims of their brutality.”
Mr. Udeh also called for verification of these claims. “If anyone wants to know if we have been captured [in a legitimate database], they should go to the Anambra Internal Revenue Service and the Ministry of Transportation to verify.”
Determined to Resist
Mr. Uchenna Umeh, another voice from the forum, declared the operators’ resolve to resist these payments. “We are not going to pay this money, and we are prepared to take on any person or group of persons found to be forcing our members to pay,” he stated.
Call for Orderly Conduct
The convener of the forum, Comrade Osita Obi, urged the protesting operators to remain peaceful and law-abiding during their demonstrations. “I urge you to be orderly and carry out the protest in line with the laws of the land,” Obi said. “We have already sent our petitions to the office of the governor and are awaiting the response of the state government.”
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between transportation operators and purported revenue enforcers in Anambra State.
