Delta Motorcycle, Tricycle Unions Protest Police ‘Harassment’

Motorcycle and tricycle unions in Delta State have appealed to the state government and police authorities to intervene in what they say is ongoing harassment and obstruction by police officers preventing them from collecting their lawful check-off dues.

At a joint press briefing in Warri, the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) and the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) alleged that their members across the 25 local government areas are being arrested and intimidated while carrying out duties permitted by law.

The unions said several members had been detained and some prosecuted despite operating as legally recognized trade unions affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). They accused the police of working in concert with an unregistered group, the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association Delta State (COMTOA), which they claim is illegally collecting dues and unlawfully using the national Coat of Arms.

MOUN’s Deputy National President, Julius Bobi, insisted that only the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment is empowered to authorize trade unions to collect check-off dues, not the state or any unregistered association. TOAN’s deputy chairman in Delta, Famous Ogbe Foghola, warned that the situation could escalate if authorities fail to intervene, alleging that some local government chairmen are backing COMTOA for personal gain while using police officers to intimidate legitimate union members.

The unions called on the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to restrain officers allegedly involved and urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to step in to prevent further conflict. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the command was unaware of any misconduct and advised the unions to submit a formal complaint if such incidents exist.