The Mazi Organization is deeply concerned about the persistent harassment and intimidation of commercial bus drivers in Owerri, by agents of Governor Hope Uzodimma-led administration.
This ugly development has no doubt resulted in significant hardship for innocent road users and raises serious questions about the current administration’s approach to governance.
The consistent practice of relying on poor commercial bus drivers and other road users as primary source(s) for internal revenue generation is indicative of a government with lack of intellectual rigour and creative problem-solving capacity.
By unleashing miscreants and thugs on the streets to intimidate and harass citizens, the government is not only perpetuating a culture of fear but also undermining the well-being and safety of its citizens.
The recent public demonstration by commercial bus drivers in Owerri is a clear manifestation of the frustration and desperation of our people. It is therefore imperative that the government listens to the cries of its citizens and quickly adopt a more thoughtful and feasible approach to revenue generation that prioritizes the welfare of citizens.
Rather than subjecting our people to daily harassment, the government should focus on creating real-time jobs to stimulate economic growth and one way of doing this is to revamp our moribund industries such as Avutu Poultry, Nsu Ceramic, and Standard Shoe Industry, which would provide employment opportunities and boost the state’s economy.
We therefore urge the state government to reassess its revenue generation strategy and place premium on the welfare of its citizens. A more sustainable and humane approach to revenue generation is necessary, and it should be one that does not exploit and brutalize vulnerable citizens.
Globally, it is the duty of any responsible and responsive government to ensure the well-being of its citizens and create enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
The actions of the Uzodimma-led administration suggest a disconnect from the needs and aspirations of Imo citizens, which must be addressed.
The Mazi Organization will continue to advocate the rights of Imo citizens and speak out against injustice. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to holding the government accountable and urging those in authority to adopt a more humane, realistic and proactive approach to governance.
While we extend our sincere sympathy to the brutalized and dehumanized Imo commercial bus drivers and other road users, we equally urge them to remain calm, law-abiding and steadfast, as our joy is coming.
TMO….Liberate Imo!
Signed
Cajetan DUKE, JP
Spokesperson
