Mini-bus drivers in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, embarked on a peaceful protest against the sale of tickets by the state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The protesters said it was unfair for the union to sell tickets after Governor Udom Emmanuel granted tax relief to motorists to cushion the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the citizens.

They blocked major streets in the metropolis and chanted solidarity songs, leaving many people stranded.

One of the protesters, identified simply as Akparawa, described the sale of tickets by the NURTW as illegal.

“We’re protesting the illegal levy by the NURTW. Governor Emmanuel, out of his goodwill, decided to grant tax relief to all motorists in the state to cushion the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, but some officials are trying to cheat our members,” he said

Officials of the NURTW could not be reached for comments, but the Police Public Relations Officer, Fredrick Nnudam, said the command was aware of the protest by the mini-bus drivers, adding that the protest was peaceful.

“If they are protesting peacefully, there is no need to arrest them, but if they are protesting violently to the extent of such disturbing the public peace, the police will have to effect some arrest and restore sanity in the society,” Nnudam added.