Anambra Government Vows To Sanction Unregistered Drivers

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

Anambra State’s Ministry of Internal Revenue, has declared that it would sanction drivers who did not participate in the drivers’ enrolment registration exercise that took place between June and August, 2022.

The ministry gave the warning through Engr. Ebuka Nwabuisi, the Community Revenue Officer, Ministry of Internal Revenue at the Rojenny Stadium Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area during the general meeting of members of the Drivers Welfare Association (DWA), Anambra State.

He said that those that failed to register during the said period, would now go to their local government area with the National Identification Number, (NIN) for registration, on payment of N1500, for ID card and sticker.

He disclosed that the identity card was for the driver while the sticker was for the owner of the vehicles even as registration code would be issued on payment of government levies.

He reiterated that late payment of the monthly levy would attract fines and urged the drivers to make payment as at and when due.

In his response, the State chairman of the drivers, Mr Adindu Opara, commended the delegates from the State Ministry of Internal Revenue, for physically coming from Awka, the State capital, to enlighten the drivers more on the need for the registration.

He however, urged the State Government to look into the issue of monthly payment it directed that the drivers must abide with, adding that such bulk payment would be difficult for the drivers, most of who have familiy to fend for.

He called for daily payment of the levy to help curtail the hardship in trying to source for the fund, adding that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has good intention for the drivers as such registration has sacked touting and extortion.

Mr Adindu who listed his achievements to include, withdrawal of cases from courts, restoration of peace, and opening of Bank account for the drivers, warned drivers to stop interaction with non members of the union who would always want to destabilize the peace of DWA, which he is the chairman.

He warned that methamphetamine addicts should be handed over to security operatives even as dirty drivers would be stripped and promised to give awards to the best drivers at the end of the year.

Also speaking, the former chairman of DWA, Mr Anthony Ogbugo, called for the dissolution of the present taskforce of the drivers and set up a new one that would better the condition of the drivers.