Truck drivers in Imo State brought the city of Owerri to a standstill on Thursday, August 15, 2024, by blocking major roads including the Owerri/Port Harcourt and Owerri/Onitsha highways. The protest, organized by the Trailer Drivers Association, was a response to what they described as relentless harassment and extortion by the state’s taskforce on illegal parks, headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Illegal Parks, Frank Onwumere. This blockade led to massive traffic disruptions across the state capital.
The drivers allege that for over four months, their vehicles have been unjustly impounded by the taskforce, with Onwumere’s team demanding N250,000 per vehicle for their release. According to Monday Ossai, a leader within the association, the extortion has reached intolerable levels, with the taskforce exploiting the drivers under the pretense of enforcing road safety. The drivers claim they are subjected to similar financial demands in Rivers and Lagos states but consider the actions of the Imo State taskforce particularly excessive and unjustified.
In addition to the financial burden, the truck drivers face logistical challenges due to nighttime roadblocks at Obinze, which they say make it nearly impossible to comply with the state’s regulation that restricts heavy vehicles to nighttime travel. Aliyu Haruna, another driver, voiced his frustration, noting that similar issues do not occur in other states where they operate. The drivers argue that the ongoing harassment and roadblocks have severely affected their operations, leading them to take drastic measures to draw attention to their plight.
The protest escalated when truck drivers blocked multiple key intersections in Owerri, including Control, Port Harcourt Road, and Concorde junction. This action left commuters stranded and brought commercial activities to a halt as bus drivers hiked fares by as much as 70 percent due to the gridlock. Social media users in the state quickly spread the news, warning residents to avoid the affected areas as the situation unfolded.
Responding to the protest, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, made an on-the-spot visit to the scene. He ordered the immediate release of all impounded trucks and assured the drivers that the allegations against Onwumere and his taskforce would be thoroughly investigated. Anyaehie also promised that any proven misconduct would be addressed promptly, including the repair of damaged trailer parts caused by the taskforce’s actions.
However, Frank Onwumere defended his actions, stating that they were in line with the directives from Governor Hope Uzodimma. He emphasized that his role as Special Adviser on Illegal Parks involves ensuring that roads remain free from illegal obstructions and that traffic flows smoothly for all road users. Onwumere argued that the enforcement measures his team employs are consistent with practices in other states like Lagos and Abuja and accused the truck drivers of consistently flouting traffic orders.
The truck drivers are not only demanding the removal of Onwumere from his position but are also calling for urgent repairs to the deteriorating Port Harcourt Expressway and other key roads in Imo State. They argue that the poor condition of these roads exacerbates the challenges they face and contributes to the ongoing conflicts with the taskforce. As tensions remain high, the truck drivers await further actions from the state government.
This protest highlights the growing frustration among commercial drivers in Imo State and the broader challenges related to governance, road infrastructure, and enforcement of regulations. The outcome of the government’s investigation into the taskforce’s conduct and the response to the drivers’ demands will be crucial in determining whether this conflict is resolved or escalates further.
