A’Ibom: Drivers frown over multiple taxation

 By. Christopher Tom, Uyo

Township Drivers Association of Akwa Ibom State has frown over the experience of multiple taxation on them seriously need Government attention before it goes out of hand.

The President of Township Drivers Association, Comr. Charles Okon Ekpo spoke with the tide in Uyo over the circumstances surrounds multiple taxation to them which has cause hardship and frustrates their business.

The President said it unfortunate embarrassment to them which has paved way and generated hardship to their members especially frustrating their business in the State Transport Sector which is not a welcome development in this present dispensation witnessing Economic Meltdown across the country.

He said the Ministry of Transport Compliance Taskforce need to be cultured taking advantage intimidating and embarrassing their members when carried out their civil responsibility and believe Government would advice them properly to operate according to their function expected across the general public.

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Comrade Charles said despite the development they successfully participated in the Biometric capture but suddenly they were called upon to pay for road worthiness of N5,500 which later increase to N9,500 members refused the deliberation during their meeting with Government but try to force them to pay which resulted for their protest as the matter went to court the consultant escaped to the thin air.

The Association Boss said Akwa Ibom Government denied the consultant of TEON NIG. LTD when they were told to bring the contract paper of agreement of both parties the consultant take advantage and escaped to the thin air without appearing to the court.

He alleged that the Compliance Taskforce Team owned by Ministry of Transport have what they called emblem permit which they sell N5,000 and safety permit N2,000, they also have sewage permit N5,000 along with Local Government Emblem if operate in Uyo would pay N300 ticket for minibus vehicle while tricycle is N200 out from Uyo to neighboring Local Government Area would pay ticket of N7,250 while in Oron N1,000, this has become a burdening to drivers in the State collecting multiple taxation which are not necessary.