Admin I Tuesday, October 14, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has warned government agencies and touts against extorting money from drivers and transport operators in the state.
This came as all transport stakeholders in Anambra State officially endorsed Soludo’s re-election bid during a mega rally held on Monday at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha North Local Government Area.
Governor Soludo, who appreciated the endorsement from drivers and transport unions, described them as critical stakeholders in the state’s economic growth who must be protected.
“My deputy and I appreciate your endorsement. We thank you not only for your support but also for the vital role you play in driving the economy of the state. You are the lifeline of Anambra’s economy,” he stated.
The governor further stated that while drivers contribute significantly to the economic development of the state, they are also among the key beneficiaries of his administration’s initiatives.
According to him, “We have fixed many roads, making it less necessary for constant visits to mechanics. We are partners in the progress of Anambra State’s economy. We fixed the roads to boost the economy so that the common man can live happily and survive with less stress.”
He cited testimonies from market women, drivers, and other stakeholders in the transport sector, who have acknowledged the positive changes in the state under his leadership.
Expressing concern over reports of continued extortion by some individuals posing as government agents, Soludo pledged to set up a task force to clamp down on those collecting illegal levies from drivers and traders.
“There are still places where touts harass transporters. We are going to establish a task force to tackle them,” he said.
Soludo warned drivers against paying any money outside the officially approved government rates. He stressed that any payment made should be through the government’s digital platforms.
“Don’t pay cash to anybody,please, don’t! It is not for the government. Nobody should collect cash from you. Even when arrested by ATMA (Anambra Traffic Management Agency) for a traffic offence, do not pay anyone directly. Only pay through the official government digital account. Anyone collecting cash is doing so illegally,” he said.
While assuring drivers of protection from illegal levies and harassment, he made it clear that the state would not compromise on law and order.
“We must obey traffic laws. Traffic offences are serious. Please, respect traffic regulations. Anyone who flouts these laws should not only be punished but also evaluated mentally because no sane person should disobey such laws. Disobedience can lead to death, and we don’t want deaths on our roads,” Soludo said.
The governor reiterated that no one in the state should extort money from drivers. If a driver violates the law, they should only pay the approved fine qnothing more.
“I’ve heard that some ATMA officials collect between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 in cash from drivers. That must stop. Nobody will extort you. I’m not here for politics, but for the welfare of all. If you obey traffic laws, nobody will harass you,” he assured.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, said the rally was organized to show support for Governor Soludo’s re-election, acknowledging his achievements in the transport sector.
“The transport sector is the biggest beneficiary of the Solution Government. The governor has constructed over 1,000 kilometers of roads, and transporters are enjoying them. They no longer visit mechanics frequently,” she said.
The Managing Director of the Ocha Brigade and Coordinator of the Solution Marshal/Transport, Comrade Celestine Anere, noted that mobilization efforts had started long ago.
Anere described the Solution Marshals and drivers in Anambra as “foot soldiers” of the governor, ready to protect the November 8, 2025, election.
“We are prepared for the elections and any legal challenge the opposition may pose. The Solution Marshals, in collaboration with drivers, will do everything legally possible to ensure the governor’s victory,” he said.
Also speaking at the mega solidarity rally, the Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum and Head of the Media Sub-Committee of the event, Comrade Osita Obi, praised Soludo’s sweeping reforms that have restored order, dignity, and accountability in the state’s transport sector.
He described the governor as a “courageous, visionary, and people-centered reformer” whose leadership had transformed the transport system in Anambra.
“We drivers are united behind one project,Governor Soludo’s re-election. Thousands of drivers and transport stakeholders here today testify that under Soludo’s leadership, the era of touts, multiple taxation, and illegal levies has been decisively curtailed,”
“For many years, our parks and motor routes were battlegrounds of extortion, harassment, and lawlessness. Drivers toiled day and night while touts and illegal task collectors feasted on their sweat.
“Then came Soludo a man of courage, vision, and compassion. He heard our cry and responded with firmness and fairness,” he added, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Obi highlighted the digital unified ticketing system introduced by the administration, which he said has brought transparency and sanity to revenue collection, allowing drivers to operate with dignity and without fear.
He also commended the Smart Transportation Management System launched by the government, which he said has enhanced road safety, reduced congestion, and improved traffic flow across major cities in the state.
“Soludo’s government has invested heavily in road rehabilitation and construction, opening up communities, industrial corridors, and markets for business and mobility. These are not media stories—they are lived realities. That’s why we stand firm behind Soludo the people’s governor, the friend of drivers, and the reformer of our transport system,” Obi stated.
The rally, attended by top government officials, members of transport unions, and representatives from the 21 local government areas, was described as a “renewed covenant” between the transport community and the Soludo administration.
Obi urged his colleagues to intensify mobilization efforts for Soludo’s second-term bid, promising that the transport sector would “drive the message of continuity and consolidation” ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
“We will not return to the dark days of touts, intimidation, and exploitation. Come November 2025, we will drive our vehicles from Nkpor to Nnewi, from Awka to Onitsha, from Agulu to Ihiala, with one voice and one message—Soludo Again! Consolidation 2025!” he declared.
The event ended with solidarity chants and pledges from drivers’ unions reaffirming their loyalty to the governor and commitment to sustaining the ongoing reforms in the transport sector.
One of the leaders of the Keke (tricycle) drivers’ unions, whose name was not obtained at the time of filing this report, revealed that the group has over 36,000 registered members, all of whom are being mobilized in support of Soludo’s re-election bid.
“Before now, we frequently visited mechanics due to bad roads. But under Soludo, who has fixed many of those roads, our maintenance costs have reduced significantly. We will all vote for you—you have changed the narrative of hardship in the transport sector. We are pleased with you,” he added .
