RE: OPEN LETTER TO ALHAJI MUSILIU AYINDE AKINSANYA AKA MC OLUOMO

On the 26th of September, 2019, I published an open letter to the new Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers Lagos State Chapter; Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya AKA MC Oluomo.

Yesterday, the 2nd of November, 2020, I received a comment by a private citizen via my email address on the hike in the cost of transportation in Lagos State. While I informed the citizen that I had no private relationship with MC Oluomo, I promised to publish it as a rejoinder to my open letter.

The paragraphs that follow represent his thought as put forward by him -

“Congratulations sir, on your election as the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). It gladdens my heart that you have been saddled with this responsibility of leading the good people of the Union. I am sure your emergence will bring succor to all Lagosian, Amen.

Sir, I wish to bring to your notice an issue affecting all Commuters in Lagos State, which I believe through your intervention as a Leader and the kind hearted citizen of Nigeria that you are, can resolved the issue of hike in the price transportation fare in Lagos State.

Sir, it was a known fact that before Covid 19 Pandemic, transport fare in Lagos was fair, though unbearable for Lagosian. However, amidst Covid 19 Pandemic (when the nation’s economic began plummeting) transportation fare increased astronomically. Now that the Nation is gradually experiencing relief from Covid 19 effect and the Government has also allowed individuals to go about their normal daily businesses, (e.g. commercial buses now carry their full load plus standing) hence, transport fare is to be reversed.

I wish to notify you that all our commercial drivers (luxury, Danfo and Coaster buses, including Keke Napep) in all areas of Lagos State have not reduced neither have they reversed to the old fare. The current situation is unbearable for commuters who daily ply the roads of Lagos.

I would like to use this medium to plead with you in the name of Almighty Allah, to use your good office to control transportation fare in Lagos, obligating the drivers to reverse to the old fare, e.g. (from Ikorodu to Ketu, Ojota and Oshodi was N100, N150 and N200 respectively) so that your fellow Lagosians can live and enjoy Lagos with comfort.

Anticipating your favourable and prompt intervention; to bring positive and considerable change on this issue.

Ipinle Eko O Ti Di Ajumose!

Thank you Sir.

Yours faithfully

SIGNED

‘Banjo, T.T.”