Maduako Igbokwe I Wednesday, May 3, 2023
AWKA, Anambra, Nigeria – Tricycle operators in Anambra state under the umbrella of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum(AKDF) may embark on state wide protest to draw the attention of the governor Prof Charles Soludo to the activities of touts in the state.
Soludo had on assumption of office, proclaimed the banning of touts in the state, but their activities are getting more ferocious and daring to tricycle operators. The hint of planned protest was dropped by the coordinator of Keke riders in the state, Comrade Osita Obi.
According to him, Keke riders have been subjected to all kinds of intimidation and harassment by the touts even when they are banned in the state. Obi said that it appears that touts are reining supreme in the state ,even when banned. He said that one Madu Joseph kelechi, a member of Anambra keke drivers forum(AKDF) was attacked by the touts at Unizik junction loading pit.
“His phone collected by the touts/ cultists. He was warned not to attend any meeting called by government and Anambra Keke Drivers Forum(AKDF). His keke was released after paying N25,000 to the touts/cultists. The people that did this to him are all known. We have done our own part to unmask them. Now all eyes are on the government. My conclusion after investigating, is that Soludo must lead this fight. He should not delegate it to anybody, this fight is winnable” he said.
He said, the governor has good intentions to end touting in the state but those with him are bent on messing up the system. Obi said the issue could have been resolved within two hours if top government officials and senior security personnel had reacted immediately.
He stated Madu Joseph Kelechi was the first keke driver in Anambra state that keyed into government tax net even when the amount payable then was N15,000. He further expressed surprise that the victim could not get any form of assistance or protection from government or security officers.
According to him, it is sad that non state actors are gradually coming back to the system, noting that it appears that Soludo is alone in the fight against touting in the state.
