PAM Remains only Body authorized by Abiodun to collect levies from transporters during NURTW week in Ogun - Iyeru

The Chairman Park Management Services Ltd (PAM), Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin-Iyeru has said that the agency is the only  body authorized by Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration to collect levies from commercial cars and buses on behalf of Ogun state government  during National Union of Road Transport Workers's  (NURTW)  week in the state.

Iyeru made this known on Wednesday while reacting to rumour that the proscribed NURTW will commence operation next week.

"Our agency is the only  body that is authorised by the Ogun state government to collect revenue from Cars and Buses during NURTW week in Ogun state. On February 8, 2021, the government of Ogun state banned NURTW from collecting levies from Transporters at Motor Parks in Ogun state. The House of Assembly in June 2020 also  passed a resolution suspending the activities of NURTW in the State.

"In an official release by the commissioner for information in Ogun state, Abdulwaheed Odusile  on February 8,2021, the government proscribed the activities of NURTW in the state. The commissioner also said:

“It will be recalled that following (the) crisis in the leadership of the NURTW in the State that threatened security of lives and properties, particularly public transport in the State, the House of Assembly in June 2020 passed a resolution suspending the activities of the union in the State.

“The government subsequently banned the activities of the union in all motor parks and garages in the State,” Mr Odusile quoted Gov. Abiodun to have said.

“Security agencies have been given firm directive to arrest and prosecute any operative of the NURTW or indeed anyone, group or association that has not been approved by the government to act on its behalf that attempts to defy the decision of the government or test its resolve to maintain peace and security in all parts of the state, including the motor parks.

"The position of the Ogun state government is clear on the issue of who is to collect levies on its behalf  from Transporters during NURTW in Ogun state. PAM was established to take over from NURTW and I was appointed Chairman of the agency. I have my certificate as presented to me by the Ogun state government. We have informed the appropriate authorities of the plan of some enemies of Ogun state who are not comfortable with the peace we are currently enjoying in motor parks across the state. 

"We have directed our members to hand over anyone collecting levies in the name of NURTW from Transporters to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)," he said.