Protest: Anambra tricycle operators constitute new caretaker committee

The Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) on Tuesday sacked the Anambra state branch executive over a protest against the payment of N15,000 tax.

Mr Elvis Okolie, Chairman of the newly constituted 13-man caretaker committee, while addressing journalists in Awka, said that the association had been meeting with the state government to resolve the high taxation issues.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the tricycle operators on Sept. 23 and 24, protested against high taxation by the Prof. Charles Soludo-led government which grounded commercial activities in the state.

Okolie said the committee was also constituted to oversee the affairs of the association pending the election of a substantive leadership of the association.

“The protest by some tricycle riders was as a result of the leadership vacuum in the association.

“A vote of no confidence was passed in the leadership of TOAN Anambra state and a caretaker committee was constituted to occupy the vacuum.

“The present administration has displayed the capacity to change the face of Anambra, especially the transport sector, and we need to show support through good social behaviour and prompt payment of taxes.

“As an association, we should be partners in progress, therefore, we are not interested in frustrating and delaying the expected socio-economic development of the state,” he said. (NAN)