..Threaten Protest If……
…Seek Governor Uzodinma’s Intervention
Tipper Drivers Association (Owerri Branch) has decried the recent impounding of their vehicles by officials of the Imo State Government.
This comes as the drivers called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to intervene and ensure the release of the impounded vehicles, stressing that they will embark on a mass protest if their demands are not met.
Speaking to newsmen, the Union’s Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Richard, expressed frustration over what he described as the unlawful seizure of nine tipper trucks—three along major roads and six from Umueziriokam community—without prior notice or clear justification.
“ We have always complied with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Commissioner for Mines, which outlines areas where we are restricted from operating. The seized trucks were not within any of the restricted zones,” Richard stated.
According to the union, the Commissioner for Mines, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako claimed that the action was taken on the directive of the Governor, citing ongoing plans to establish a designated mining bay in the state. However, Richard argued that operations should be allowed to continue in currently minable areas until the proposed mining bay becomes operational.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We support the Governor and his administration. But our concern is that the Commissioner is shutting down the only areas we can currently operate in, even though the mining bay is yet to be ready,” he said.
Richard further highlighted the socio-economic impact of the shutdown, noting that the tipper industry in Owerri supports over 10,000 workers, many of whom may become jobless and vulnerable if operations are halted indefinitely.
“If activities are suspended completely, there could be a spike in insecurity and criminal activities, as many of our members have families to cater for,” he warned.
The Union has issued a final appeal to the state government for dialogue and a peaceful resolution, warning that if the vehicles are not released soon, they will be forced to shut down operations and stage a protest across the state capital.
