…Urge the state government to intervene in ASTOPU’s refusal to allow REKOAA to operate independently, as approved by the Ministry of Transport
Tricycle operators in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia state, under the aegis of Real Keke Owners Association (REKOAA), have commended Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, for his infrastructural development poliicy, which has led to the transformeation of the state in less than two years of his administration.
They observed that most of the dilapidated roads in Aba, including the popular Port Harcourt road have been fixed under 2 years of his coming into power.
According to them, residents of Abia are now enjoying dividends of democracy, which previous administration’s denied them.
They described Governor Otti, as a leader and not a ruler and assured him of their full support in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
“We are also proud of Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, an illustrious and distinguished son of Abia state and Nigeria, who serves as the Commissioner for Transport in Abia State. His commendable work in executing the affairs of his ministry is notable”.
This is as the group appealed to Governor Otti to advise the leadership of Abia state Tricycle Operators Union (ASTOPU) to give REKOAA the right to operate, as approved by the state’s Ministry of Transport.
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Sunday Okenwa, who spoke on behalf of the group, during a peaceful demonstration, Tuesday, argued that the refusal of ASTOPU to recognise them, as an independent Tricycle Association in the State, contradicts the Ministry of Transport’s Certificate of Approval, which granted REKOAA recognition.
According to him, the certificate, which was endorsed, by the Commissioner for Transport and handed over to us in Umuahia, gave REKOAA approval to operate and manage the activities of all Tricycle operators within its jurisdiction.
“Additionally, the Certificate of Registration No: MOT/T/063 certifies that REKOAA has been duly registered, having met all the Ministry’s requirements”.
“We are not opposed to ASTOPU, our concern is that REKOAA has met all the requirements set by the state government for approval, and the government has granted us approval and a license to operate.
“Our humble request to our amiable governor is to intervene and call on those preventing REKOAA from registering its members to order.
“Not allowing REKOAA to register tricycles, would indeed create financial difficulties for us. Without registration, we won’t be able to generate revenue to cover our expenses and pay our annual fees to the Ministry of Transport”.
They argued that having two tricycle management systems in Abia state, would be beneficial to the state, as it would provide tricycle operators with choices and encourage healthy competition.
“This, in turn, could support the transformational agenda of the Abia state government, led by Governor Alex Otti”, Okenwa stated.
