KEKE NAPEP SUSPENSION: PDP LASH OUT AT LALONG.

Following the ban on tricycle operators within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis on the heels of a reckless riot by the commercial tricicle riders.t The People Democratic Party has come out to question the rationale behind the move by Government, alleging it is a punishment on the youths and tricicle operators. In a press statement signed by the state publicity secretary, J.T Akans ,the PDP lashed out at Lalong calling on the Governor to reverse exorbitant fees charged. The statement reads... The Peoples Democratic Party,Plateau State is worried by the rather harsh action of Governor Simon Lalong administration towards the people of Plateau State through outright indefinite suspension of tricycle operators within Jos and Bukuru metropolis. This achieves nothing tangible but instead adds to the suffering of the people in the face of grinding and intolerably difficult economic downturn caused by the failed APC leadership at the federal and state levels. Rather than paying attention to how to lift the people from prolonged poverty, the Lalong administration is busy implementing a policy of collective punishment that adds to the poverty level in Plateau State and makes commercial transportation more difficult. What is really shameful in all of this is how a government can target very low income earners for exploitation in the name of revenue generation. The signs were there all this while that the tricycle operators were dissatisfied with government's potentially over-bearing initiative, but the government would not engage in any constructive dialogue. It waited instead to be reactive and high-handed. The introduction of commercial tricyle on June 12, 2012 was a well thought-out and deliberate policy of PDP administration to promote security, add to urban development and empower the teaming youths of Plateau State. This was indeed achieved through PDP's people-oriented policies and programmes. This policy was well-received and applauded by the people. The least we expected was for the current administration to add value to this people-oriented initiative. But painfully, the government is turning the youth back to joblessness and providing no other vibrant and policy option. It appear to us that the only policy known to the APC administration is "backward ever, Forward never". On this note, the people must have realised that their votes for Governor Lalong in 2015 were all in vain. Or else how is it fatally injurious under democratic rule for an oppresssed people to voice out their dislike of a policy? The Peoples Democratic Party comdemns this suppression of the people's right and the exploitative introduction of excess fees on the tricycle operators. It is a ruthless and pitiless method of suppressing the citizens. The party also condemns any action by hoodlums who may want to take advantage of a genuine expression of freedom for their selfish interest. PDP sympathises with the operators of tricycles over this unjust policy which has had a direct and adverse effect on their livelihood and curtailed the discharge of their responsibilities to their families. We also share in the pains and inconveniences visited on commuters in Jos and Bukuru. PDP calls on Governor Lalong to drop the excess charges, lift the suspension on commercial tricycle operators and be civil in his approach to sensitive issues that affect the wellbeing of the people. PDP also calls on the Governor to separate hoodlums from genuine agitators and address the grievances squarely so that normalcy can be restored for commuters. Sign Sir J T Akans, ksm State Publicity Secretary PDP Plateau State.