Uwakmfon UMOEKA | The Evangelist
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) has announced plans to stage a peaceful protest over what it described as the persistent harassment, intimidation, extortion and molestation of dispatch riders in the state.
In a press release signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the union, Comrade Uwakmfon Umoeka, NUDRMON alleged that some of its members have been subjected to unlawful treatment by individuals it described as unprofessional elements and thugs allegedly operating under the guise of the Ministry of Transport.
According to the union, the alleged acts of intimidation have created an unsafe working environment for dispatch riders and disrupted the smooth delivery of logistics services relied upon daily by residents, businesses and other organizations across Akwa Ibom State.
The union maintained that dispatch riders are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to the state’s economy by providing efficient courier and logistics services, stressing that they should not be treated as criminals or subjected to degrading treatment while carrying out their legitimate businesses.
NUDRMON reiterated that its primary responsibility is to protect the welfare, rights and legitimate interests of dispatch riders, adding that it would not remain silent while its members continue to face what it described as oppression and victimization.
The union disclosed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has formally notified the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command, and other relevant government agencies and institutions of its grievances and the proposed peaceful demonstration.
Calling for urgent government intervention, the union urged the appropriate authorities to halt all forms of alleged unlawful harassment against dispatch riders and ensure that those engaged in legitimate logistics operations are treated with dignity and in accordance with the law.
While reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful and lawful protest, NUDRMON said details of the date, venue and other modalities for the demonstration would be announced in due course.
The statement concluded that the union remains committed to defending the welfare, dignity and professional interests of dispatch riders across Akwa Ibom State
