Transporters and other trade unions in Plateau State, represented by the Plateau State Joint Transport, Traders, and Marketers Association, have announced a sit-at-home protest scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 2024. This action is in response to Executive Order No. 003, 2024, signed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, aimed at controlling illegal building erection and traffic congestion in the state.
The association’s spokesperson, Abubakar Garba, expressed their rejection of the executive order, citing concerns about its impact on fundamental human rights and business operations. Garba highlighted the restrictions on trucks and heavy-duty vehicles entering the Central Business Area (Jos-Bukuru Metropolis) and the imposition of fines on defaulters as major grievances.
Furthermore, Garba emphasized the importance of unrestricted vehicular movement on federal roads and called for the immediate release of impounded trucks. He urged the state government to provide designated routes for trucks and adjust the restriction time to alleviate the hardship faced by truck owners and citizens.
In response, the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, stated that government officials were in discussions with union leaders to address concerns regarding the executive order. However, he affirmed that the order would remain in effect.