PDP Flays Fare Hike In Ondo, Accuses Akeredolu Of Backing NURTW |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in Ondo state has berated the state government over moves to elevate the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) to an arm of government.

The party, apparently reacting to an alleged tactical backing given by Government to the astronomical hike in transport fares in the state by NURTW, opined that the All Progressives Congress,(APC) administration is unleashing more hardship on the people.

In a statement in Akure, the party noted that “whereas the PDP in Ondo State is not in anyway, taken aback by the usual blame-game tactics which has become a recurring decimal in government administered by the APC both at the Federal and State levels the shifting of blame by the Ondo State Government to the NURTW, Ondo State chapter, for the shameless and thoughtless hike in the intra-city taxi fare, is rather amusing, mischievous and lugubrious.

“Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is striving hard to elevate the NURTW to the status of a Government agency.

“We are assured and relieved by the provisions of our constitution which do not attach or confer such status on the association.”

The statement, signed by  spokesman, Leye Igbagbo, further states “the PDP in Ondo State firmly believes that the NURTW cannot and must not impose levies of any kind, in whatever form and for whatever reasons on the already anguished people of Ondo State.

“Our party finds it extremely exasperating and irritating that the State Government is busy denying its approval and tacit involvement in the oppressive, suppressive and repressive hike, rather than immediately halt the hike and revert to the old rate to save the people from further sinking into the abyss of penury and avoidable lack.

“In the overall interest of the people, the PDP advises Governor Akeredolu and his collaborators to summon the needed courage and accept the failure of this anti-people hike and without further delay, revert to the old rate, instead of employing the monotonous blame-game tactics in order to extend the tenure of pains on the people of Ondo State.

“This, in our considered opinion, is the most honorable path to follow.”