The Uber-related accounts of two Twitter users spurred on a passionate conversation about the ride-hailing service with many pitching tents on polarising opinions this Friday.
A certain Twitter user with the handle, @CaptainArinze, spoke on what he observed as prevalent rudeness and impoliteness amongst Nigerian women towards Uber drivers. He declares that it does not cost much for Nigerian women to be polite and nice to their assigned Uber drivers and that a great attitude is crucial.
I cringe at how some ladies talk to Uber drivers.
You can be polite and nice. It doesn't cost much. Why are you being all rude to the guy?
Don't you have a map?
Are you not a driver?
Stop wasting my time?Drop those sentences. It's not necessary. Attitude is everything.
— Arinze Odira (@CaptainArinze) June 26, 2020
Some Nigerians agreed with the user’s sentiments, stating that it is a usual practice for women to be caustic when speaking to these drivers and it is right for them to be cautioned accordingly. Uber drivers added tales of them being treated shabbily by their female riders while others suggested that Uber creates an incentive where rude riders can also be flagged down if found uncooperative.
I saw one yesterday and almost slap her
— Softboination??? SULTIAN ARMY (@softboination) June 26, 2020
People need to learn to be polite, it actually better. I drove taxify for a while myself and had guys talk down at me too one called me a bitch and never paid me for the trip. Unfortunately it was an offline trip so I could not report him.
— Thelma (@JasminesDiary) June 26, 2020
It's so unflattering. The fact that they can't even act the same way with public transporters just shows that its an unfounded and unnecessary show of power
— hemoshunali frajai (@CupofCoffee_xo) June 26, 2020
I retired the day I picked a young lady and I missed a turning and she picked her phone, called her boyfriend and said 'can you imagine this useless driver'… God saved me from being a murderer that day
— mache (@orangootan) June 26, 2020
I think Uber and Bolt should also protect their drivers. Make a provision on the apps for flagging rude "customers" (not just women btw). So the company can simply ban you if 3 different drivers flag you. Trek with your long mouth.
— Nw'ada Chidinma (@Rosecleek) June 26, 2020
Series of Twitter users contested this position with personal accounts of Uber drivers being unnecessarily salty and rude to them. They posited that the main problem is that these Nigerian drivers possess fragile egos and can’t stand having to drive women hence everything that would be taken as normal from a man, would tick them off when uttered by a woman.
My younger sister ordered an Uber on Friday. Guy came and she sat at the back. She noticed the man kept mumbling and talking over her when she tried to describe where to pass. She asked what was wrong and he told her “if u had any form of respect, u wouldn’t have sat at the back” https://t.co/UgklNLjAiN
— NON-SO (@upcoming_shef) June 26, 2020
I was about to enter an Uber and the driver told me that he doesn’t carry women in his back seat because he’s not her driver.
— Fat Belly ‘Nenye (@The_Nenye) June 26, 2020
An Uber driver has masturbated while a woman was in his car. Women have been beaten up by Uber drivers some kidnapped some sexually molested but women asking them “don’t you have a map” is your problem and it is rude. Y’all mother fuckers gaslight us for fun
— W.H♥️ (@winewhoree) June 26, 2020
It’s great to be polite but I assure you, the problem Uber men in Nigeria have with “ladies” is not courtesy. It is misogyny. Period.
— Apologies, wrong Chioma (@GarriCake) June 26, 2020
Abeg rest! I say these things to uber drivers all the time, especially the map issue (why they don't like using it baffles me). They are not offended by the statements but the fact that it's coming from a woman who they see as less! https://t.co/jvMtRD4ZXZ
— Damiete (@dmiete) June 26, 2020
Or is it when I was in an Uber with a partner and the driver took a call that lasted about two minutes with one hand on the steering.
When I asked why he did that, his exact words were “If no be this oga wey dey here,you no for like wetin I go call you.”— Fat Belly ‘Nenye (@The_Nenye) June 26, 2020
Many pointed out that there was a gender bias and that “politeness” is only expected of women whereas men are allowed to say these things without repercussion.
You people are always demanding for niceness from women you’ll never demand from men. As much as there are rude people out here, do you know how dismissive these Uber drivers act when they see the rider is a woman?
— Bella Hadidn’t. (@Sugaarrbaby) June 26, 2020
Some with a more neutral stance declared that politeness and courtesy should be expected of both women and men, whether riders or drivers in the business.
not only ladies. and not only uber drivers. we should all treat a leach other with respect. from the mallam selling cabbages at the junction to the vc of your university. every human being – like you, deserves respect. https://t.co/T3Hjl29rCL
— #onenigerianatatime (@Stee_vane) June 26, 2020
In a more heartwarming aspect to the Uber trend, Twitter User, @alabo_braide narrated the event of how a driver collided with his car and scraped off his bumper. He said that he seized the car of the Uber driver after calculating the cost for repair of his car and it amounted to N150,000.
When he noticed the Uber driver crying, his wife interceded and gave the driver some money for transport, then went further to plead with her husband to return the car to him. The narrator said he did and in the process, they both crumbled into a mass of tears as the Uber driver expressed profused gratitude at his actions.
So yesterday, I had a humbling experience. Trying to cautiously enter Admiralty Road after sending some items at GIGL. I was unaware a car was driving one-way. The next thing I know, it rips off part of my bumper. The Uber driver who was about to pay for his stupidity. I wasn't f pic.twitter.com/d6SVVdAZFx
— Dr. Dein Braide (@alabo_braide) June 25, 2020
Nigerians were moved by the tale and ushered prayers on the man for his acts of kindness and praised his wife saying she was a good woman.
Sir, we'd like to say that we appreciate you. Nah, we celebrate you. May help show up when you need it. ????
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 26, 2020
Just have a good woman in your life. Y'all don't wanna imagine the ginger that will come from some women.
If this is not a sermon then I don't know what it is.
— GOD is the greatest!!! (@1Omohoje) June 26, 2020
Mehn! This got me teary. If anyone's been in a place where they were distraught and hopeless, they won't help but appreciate you sir. God bless you and your wife real good and increase you on all sides. God will add another big car to your family for this torn bumper ???
— Iron Hand ⚓ (@abiolamoe) June 26, 2020
The tales concerning the Uber trend shows just how two-sided life can be. In a world filled with rude, evil people, there is also good to be found.
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
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