By Chris Chimezie
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The leadership of Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Association (COMTRA) in the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State have expressed satisfaction with the manner at which the Akeredolu-led administration is handling their affairs which has led to their smooth operations.
Some COMTRA leaders who spoke on behalf of others stated at an interactive session with the state government and newsmen at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s office in Akure.
They explained that the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) is not part of their association recognized by the state government.
According to the leader of COMTRA in Okitipupa local government, Mr Shayo Olufunke, decried the hardship they went through under ACOMORAN leadership of the past administration which made many of them abandoned the business for another trade.
“Often times, we were subjected to various hardships ranging from illegal extortions, even after paying for the daily ticket and would severely dealt with anyone who fails to do as they instructed.
Also, leaders of the association from Akoko North West Local Government, Mr Obanla Bashiru and Mr Lanre Olugbenga from Ondo West Local Governments distanced themselves from those who dragged the state government to court adding that they are in support of how they operate now.
It would be recalled that the Ondo State chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) had a forthnight ago, dragged Ondo State government to Court for taking over the printing and sales of 150 Naira daily revenue tickets to Okada riders through the State Board of Internal Revenue.
Responding, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale explained that government has not been served notice by the court adding that the association remains banned.
“The ban on the union Exco (ACOMORAN) still subsists and they remained banned. Nobody will be permitted to stay on our roads to extort money from anybody.
“The State government will not allow the extortion of money from anyone and will no longer tolerate any form of racketeering”, he said