Fuel Scarcity: We’ll increase transport fare if… - Kwara NURTW

The Kwara State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has said it may be forced to increase transport fare in the state if the lingering fuel scarcity persists.

The state's Chairman of the union, Alhaji Issa Ore, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin on Saturday at the side-line of the Maolud Nabiyi celebration organised by the Jamuiyat Nasir Al-Fridaous Al-Tijaniyyah held in Ilorin, said the union might be forced to hike taxis, buses and motorcycles' fare within Ilorin metropolis if the Federal Government fails to provide solution to the issue.

He said although the body recognised the limitation of the state government regarding the issue, NURTW had written letters and addressed press conferences to appeal to authorities concerned to intervene in the crisis.

“At the moment, we have not increased the transport fare be it taxi, Okada or mini buses in Kwara State though the scarcity has persisted.

“We have several times appealed to the Federal Government to look into the issue of fuel scarcity and if there is no solution, we might be forced to increase the prices of all public transport. But up till now, I am still appealing to our members to tarry for a while

“Aside the increase, there has been a lot of damage to our vehicles because most of the petrol stations adulterate the products being sold. Some of us said we should go on strike but I have told them that it is not a solution because it's not what we are agitating for.

“We are still appealing to the Federal Government because we don't want a situation whereby the state government will see it as if we are fighting against it.

On the Senate president, Ore said though he is not a politician, Senator Bukola Saraki should be considered for the top seat for justice, fairness and equity.

“Though I am not a politician and I don't know the arrangement on ground, but I think from what we read, Senator Saraki is supposed to be given the post. For instance, look at the formation and contribution of the new PDP that joined the APC. For justice, fairness and equity, I think he should be given the position so that all the blocs that formed the APC would have been fairly treated”, he submitted.

Earlier, the leader of the society, Sheikh Musa Aloba, said the celebration of the Maolud Nabiyi cannot be overemphasised in the world today, adding that Muslims should reflect on the universality of the messengership of the Prophet (SAW) and its impact on world peace.

Aloba, who spoke through a leader of the group, AbdurRahman Alege, said Islam does not teach violence and called on Muslims across the country to imbibe the teaching of respect for elders and leaders for moral and societal uprightness.

Also speaking, Hajia Fatima and Tawakalitu Aloba, said Muslims should imbibe the teachings of the Prophet to properly run their homes, adding that the import of the event is to practicalise the lesson of Maolud in individual lives for societal wellbeing.