Anambra Tricycle Operators Cry Out, Seek Assembly’s Protection for Unity Reforms
By Titus Eleweke
Concerned stakeholders of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) in Anambra State have petitioned the State House of Assembly, urging it to protect ongoing efforts to harmonise the state’s tricycle transport sector from alleged attempts by some individuals to undermine the process.
The petitioners, who identified themselves as active tricycle operators, said the alleged actions of certain individuals were threatening the unity, peace and orderly development of the industry, which provides livelihoods for thousands of operators across the state.
In a petition addressed to the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and copied to the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, and the Department of State Services (DSS), the stakeholders called for an investigation into a petition allegedly filed against the commissioner and the convener of the Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Osita Obi.
The petition, titled “Petition Against Some Individuals Allegedly Undermining the Harmonisation of Tricycle Riders and Promoting Disunity in the Tricycle Sector,” expressed concern that the ongoing reforms could be frustrated by individuals whose interests, according to the petitioners, were at odds with the welfare of genuine operators.
The petition was signed by Asomgha Victor Nkemakonam, Secretary of TOAN, Owerri Road Unit; Mr Ohaekelem Emeka; Okonkwo John; Ikpe Edwin; Egbuna Chinedu; and Okeke Ebuka, all identified as members of the association.
The petitioners urged the House to investigate the circumstances, motives and interests behind the petition against the transport commissioner and the AKDF convener, alleging that it was intended to frustrate genuine reforms in the tricycle transport industry.
“We strongly suspect that these individuals, who are members of TOAN but not tricycle riders, are working tirelessly to destabilise the ongoing harmonisation of tricycle riders in the state because the proposed reform will no longer serve their personal interests,” they stated.
They maintained that those who were neither active tricycle operators nor directly involved in the daily realities of the industry should not be allowed to undermine a process designed to promote order, unity, accountability and proper coordination.
The stakeholders called on the House to investigate the allegations made against the officials concerned by what they described as self-serving individuals.
They also appealed to the lawmakers to protect the harmonisation process from attempts to frustrate what they termed legitimate reforms aimed at bringing peace and order to the sector.
According to the petitioners, Governor Chukwuma Soludo had repeatedly stated that leadership of tricycle operators should be exclusively in the hands of tricycle operators.
They said they welcomed and appreciated the governor’s directive, adding that the era of professional unionism in the sector should give way to leadership rooted in the experiences and interests of active operators.
The petitioners further appealed to the House to allow the commissioner to continue performing his lawful duties, which they said were essential to promoting peace, unity and accountability in the industry.
They stressed that tricycle operators in Anambra State deserved peace, orderly operations, responsible leadership and credible systems capable of protecting their interests.
The stakeholders warned that they would not allow personal interests, factional disputes or the actions of a few individuals to undermine the unity and stability of the state’s tricycle transport sector.
