Following the order of coding of commercial vehicles by Edo State Government to commercial drivers. Some drivers has appealed to the State Government for the extension of deadline.
Mr. Ken Igbinosa: In the time past, it was believed that democracy is government for the people and by the people. But in our today’s democracy it is not so. Before government can embark on any mandate that affects the people, they should first and foremost put into consideration the welfare of the citizens. It is a good thing to code our vehicles, but government should consider that this is September, school resumption period and we are parents, we have responsibilities like paying of school fees because this is the beginning of a new session where we need to buy new books and uniforms for our children. For those of us loading BIU route, we make #900 from going trip, coming back we make #600, and we go an average of three trips a day which sums up to #4500. Out of this #4500 we pay for ticket #400, buy fuel #2000, then let me say the minimum we eat a day is #200, I am left with #1800 which I use in feeding my family, this is a daily cost. So before government make this kind of costly decision, they should know how our pay is, and how much we make.
Mr. Daniel Esezobor: They said on Monday anyone who fails to paint their vehicle will be stopped from operating, pertaining to that I am pleading for the postponment of the deadline, because the amount required for this coding is not cheap. Some painters are demanding #40,000 some say #30,000, this money is high we cannot all afford it so quick adding that some of us have large families too.
Mr. Moses Ugege: To me it is a welcome development, pertaining to the fact that it is for the security and safety of the passengers. I believe it will professionalize the work. So to me it is a good thing, other state like Delta, Kwara, Lagos and many others, the law there is if you do not paint you cannot work, while those of us who run outside the state have a license for formal identification. It will help for identification of real and original drivers in the state.
Mr. Stephen Ifeanyi: Concerning this painting, for me I will say they should give us time. From now till next year or even December to gather up enough money. Reason why I plead for more time is because this is raining season, and most painters do not have oven while the ones who have their prices are outrageous. The painted cars needed to be dried outside and secondly school just resumed for our children which means more expenses for us to handle. Government should please give us a little time till dry season because, it is not ideal painting cars and watching it washed away by rain. I plead on our beloved government to please in the name of God to consider our interest and welfare. They should also remember we were part of those who voted APC into power.
Mr. Victor Ibe: The conditions given to us on this coding colour is too much. They please should give us time. We need time and money to carry out this task asked of us by our government, moreover, this is raining season the weather is not a favourable one that requires painting of vehicles. We plead on our government to give us more time and God will bless him richly.
Mr. Sam Ukegbu: It is good to obey the rules of the government, we will paint , but Monday the time frame is too short. We as the ordinary people has not be gaining so much from the government, but we have to comply. However government have not been on the side of the masses for a long time . They always impose laws on us we have to follow the instructions like that. But for the love of the citizen they should consider us and give us more time.
