By Ejoor Onoharigho
Delta State Government has disowned the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) and Motorcycle Owners Union of Nigeria (MOUN) in the management of the operations of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state.
Recall that the State Government recently authorised the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA) to from Monday, January 8, 2024, handle the management and collection of Daily Road Tax from operators of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke).
In a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, the State Government reaffirmed that COMTOA remains the only recognized body authorised to manage and collect Daily Road Tax from operators on its behalf.
Agofure, therefore, urged Deltans and indeed the general public to disregard any position being canvassed by the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) and Motorcycle Owners Union of Nigeria (MOUN).
The Transport Commissioner in the statement said, “Government frowns at their publication in the Pointer Newspaper, separately on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 page 10 and Bridge FM Radio announcement on Friday 12th January 2024, about the State Government approved and recognized Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA), for the collection of Daily Road Tax, as well as to Organize, Coordinate, Supervise and Manage the activities of Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators in the State.
“These pronouncements and publications have been viewed as mischievous and a calculated attempt to cause rancour in the State Transport Sector and incite the masses, Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators against the laudable efforts of the State Government at ensuring that there’s Peace and orderliness across the State.
“The general public, Deltans and all Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators are informed that the State Government is within her purview to levy the Three Hundred (#300) naira Daily Road Tax for Tricycle and Two hundred (#200)naira for Motorcycles respectively.
“Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle riders are advised to comply fully with COMTOA, as the only body recognized by the Government in the State.
“Accordingly, perceived members of ACOMORAN, TOAN and MOUN are warned to desist from their inciting and provocative actions that could lead to a breakdown in law and order or face the full wrath of the law.”
