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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Tricycle operators in Abia State have protested against the alleged imposition of a particular union, Abia State tricycle operators union (ASTOPU) on them by officials of the Ministry of Transportation.
The tricycle operators commended the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his infrastructural development.
The protesting tricycle operators specifically alleged that earlier this year, the Commissioner of the Ministry, Sunny Onwuma, made a statement backing ASTOPU against the popular will of Keke operators in the state.
“We wonder why the commissioner, who ought to be neutral as his position demands, is now working hand in glove with ASTOPU against our interest and well being.”
The operators equally alleged that the commissioner had, earlier in the year, authorised ASTOPU to collect levy he branded service charge from them.
“By this, we are to pay an extra N50 per toll multiple times, per day, to ASTOPU, and this led to the protest we held at that time. Fortunately, the governor intervened, stating clearly that such a directive did not emanate from him.
“Now, the honourable commissioner, in collaboration with ASTOPU, had, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, convened a meeting, in which all tricycle operators in Aba were invited, where he said we must register with ASTOPU, whether we like it or not.
He also directed that all Keke in Aba must be repainted from the green colour to the same green colour and ASTOPU are to do the repainting work without minding the present economic hardship.”
While the Keke operators restated their support to Chikezie Nwokejiobi as their chairman, they appealed to the governor to call some officials of the ministry of transportation in order to guide against extortion of their members.
Meanwhile, the tricycle operators have commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural development. They cited some of the roads his administration has reconstructed in different parts of the state and pledged their unalloyed support.
