The sit-at-home ordered by transporters and other trade unions in Plateau State began on Wednesday with some traders, artisans, drivers, and tricycle operators, among others, partially following the directive.
On Tuesday, transporters and other trade unions, under the Plateau State Joint Transport, Traders and Marketers Association, announced a sit-at-home across the state starting on Wednesday.
The spokesperson for the group, Abubakar Garba, announced at a press conference in Jos, the state capital, that their action was a protest against an executive order signed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Last month, Mutfwang signed Executive Order No. 003, 2024, to manage the illegal construction of buildings and traffic congestion in the state.
The order prevented trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles from entering the Central Business Area (Jos-Bukuru Metropolis) between 6am and 9pm.
It specified a N500,000 fine and the impoundment of the truck as punishment for violators.
Garba, the group’s spokesperson, argued that the executive order violated their constitutional right to freedom of movement as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
After the press conference, the association shared information on social media requiring all businesses, markets, shops, filling stations, and workshops in Jos metropolis to close on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in protest against the order.
The circulated information also called on all trade unions/associations leaders to ensure that their members fully complied.
Our reporter who monitored the situation in Jos and its surroundings noted that the sit-at-home did not have a significant impact, as people, including filing stations, tricycle operators, shops, and workshops, continued with their regular business activities.
However, the number of traders at the Terminus Market and the adjacent streets was notably lower compared to other days.
Some of the traders who showed up for business told The PUNCH in Jos that they were perplexed as to why their trade union would issue a sit-at-home order given the current economic conditions in the country.
One of the traders, Ismaila Mohammed, stated, “I opened my shop this morning after being informed about the reason for the sit-at-home directive. I believe the sit-at-home declared by the trade union was not well considered, particularly at a time when everyone is struggling to make a living.
“They should not have instructed people to abandon their lawful business and stay at home in opposition to government policy. While there are issues that we want the government to address regarding the executive order, I think these matters can be resolved through dialogue because I trust that the government had good intentions for the people with the truck movement restrictions within specific hours.
“The best approach is for the trade union leaders to engage the government in meaningful dialogue about the areas of disagreement, instead of subjecting members to a sit-at-home, which will worsen their economic situation.
A craftsman named Johnson Philip, who started working at his Faringada Workshop, said that the sit-at-home was not necessary and urged the trade unions to support the government in restoring order in Jos and other parts of the state.
He mentioned that he initially didn't go to his workshop because he thought it was a regular public holiday declared by the government until he found out it wasn't.
He questioned the trade union's absence when their trucks were causing accidents at the Polo Roundabout in Jos, resulting in damage to property and injuries to several people.
He wondered why the trade union didn't declare a sit-at-home to pressure truck drivers to stop their dangerous driving, which has caused numerous deaths in Jos alone.
He suggested that it was inappropriate for people to try to thwart the government's efforts to address these challenges now that action is being taken to address them.
He explained that he went about his business as usual because he could not support the trade union sit-at-home, which he heard was sponsored by those who do not have good intentions for Plateau State.
