Guber Polls: Why We Endorsed Soludo For 2nd Term -Anambra Transporters

Guber Poll: Why we endorsed Soludo for 2nd term - Anambra transporters, stakeholders 

Chinedum Treasure 

Transporters and key stakeholders in Anambra State’s transport sector have officially endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for reelection in the upcoming November 8 election.

The endorsement was unanimously given on Thursday during the quarterly Town Hall meeting held at the Jerome Udeorji Secretariat in Awka, the state capital.

The gathering brought together transporters and stakeholders from across the state.

Participants expressed strong approval of Soludo’s achievements in the transport sector, highlighting his efforts in reducing touting and improving road infrastructure statewide. 

Many noted that the roads are now in such good condition that vehicle owners rarely visit mechanics or purchase spare parts for repairs, marking a significant improvement from previous years.

National President of the Drivers Welfare and Clubs of Nigeria, Comrade Elimgbe Monday shared his perspective from years of transport unionism. 

Having visited over 18 states, he stated, “I have not seen any governor combating touting with as much commitment as Governor Soludo. He is deeply engaged in tackling the menace of touts in the State.

“We stand solidly behind the Governor’s reelection bid because of his dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of transporters. He has given the sector a strong sense of belonging.”

Comrade Monday also emphasized the need to recognize drivers’ rights, stating, “Discussions often focus solely on passengers’ rights, but drivers are a critical segment of society. Without drivers, the economy of any state would suffer immensely.”

Similarly, Comrade Osita Obi, Coordinator of the Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) in Anambra, revealed that touting activities have reduced by approximately 75 percent under Governor Soludo’s administration.

He recalled the frequent violent clashes in transport garages before this intervention.

Obi accused touts of being behind cultism and violence in the state, sharing his personal experience as a victim of a cult attack, which fuels his commitment to anti-touting efforts.

He praised the Governor for easing the burden on transporters by improving roads and curbing multiple taxation practices that were previously common.

He urged drivers to actively protect their interests by confronting those who illegally collect money on the roads.

“The Governor cannot be everywhere at once to monitor these activities, so it is up to us to stand against extortion,”

“If you see any of your colleagues stopped and extorted, intervene and protest. Not every issue can be resolved from the Governor’s office.”Obi stated.

The Chairman of the Anambra State Heavy Duty and Haulage Operators, Asosata Asokateze, also commended Governor Soludo’s friendly disposition towards transporters.

He promised strong support for the Governor’s reelection, pledging to mobilize the heavy-duty transport sector fully for the campaign.

Meanwhile, Comrade Ifeanyi Okafor, Chairman of the Keke Drivers Forum in Anambra, appealed to the Governor to grant the sector more time to address emerging challenges related to permits and driving licenses.

He warned that the recent enforcement demands could negatively impact drivers amid the current economic situation.

Okafor further lamented frequent harassment by the Anambra State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), describing it as excessive.

He appealed for a relaxation of permit and license enforcement until after the election to allow drivers adequate time to comply.

Nonetheless, he acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in reducing multiple taxation and banning touting in the state.

Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike described the transport sector as a key driver of Anambra’s economy.

She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting all actors in the sector.

“The transport sector is a critical enabler of economic development. Governor Soludo has invested heavily in infrastructure, including dualizing the state’s road network, allowing transporters to move with ease and reducing the need for frequent vehicle repairs,” she said.

Igwebuike urged stakeholders to launch a campaign supporting the Governor’s reelection, stressing the importance of continuity for the sector’s progress.

She also called on all eligible voters, including non-indigenous residents, to register or transfer their voting locations to Anambra State ahead of the election.

“This is the time to register or transfer your voting card via the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal and vote for Governor Soludo,” she appealed.

She assured that all complaints from transporters would be relayed to the Governor for prompt action and reaffirmed that Anambra remains a stronghold of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Chief Michael Obiekwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, explained that the meeting aimed to keep stakeholders informed about the ministry’s policy directions and business-friendly initiatives.

He said, “When properly implemented, these policies will foster a trusted, efficient, and sustainable transport system in Anambra.”

Obiekwe highlighted the transport sector’s critical role in driving the state’s economy and encouraged stakeholders to actively communicate the government’s achievements to the wider public.

“This will motivate the Governor to do even more in the coming years,”

“This meeting also provides a platform to discuss challenges and propose solutions that will further strengthen government services in the transport sector.”he added.