Bus and Taxi drivers plying Mile 1 to III and Illaobuchi areas of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council have lamented over illegal extortion of money by police, TIMARIV and Vehicle Inspection Unit Officials.
The drivers who spoke to our correspondent maintained that the premises of the Mile 1 Police has become an eyesore, pointed out that a time will come when all the drivers will embark on one week strike.
They further claimed that efforts are being made to sue the Nigeria police, the TIMARIV and the Vehicle Inspection Unit Officials, saying that their means of extorting illegal money from them have always been forceful, sometimes at gun point as Motor Park hoodlums also work hand in hand with them.
Meanwhile a police patrol team has nabbed a tout who attempted to remove the number plate of a taxi at Station Bus stop.
An eyewitness said the driver stopped over to look for balance (change) to settle his passenger when the dirty looking tout went straight to the driver vehicle (taxi) number plate. He later changed his plans and immediately pulled out the fuel tank cover and demanded an undisclosed amount from the driver.
When the driver attempted to collect his fuel tank cover, he battered the driver and unfortunately for him, the patrol team arrived and whisked him away. ###
Bennett James
