Members of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) on Wednesday July 3rd 2024 expressed their displeasure over irregularities confronting the union.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that AKDF members protested in front of the Anambra State House of Assembly, urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the lawmakers to intervene.
Cordinator Anambra Keke Drivers Forum,
Comrade Osita Obi while speaking commended the state government on its efforts in taking touts out of the streets.
“Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is doing well and has fought touting in the state. Before the Governor came into power, there were fees which he stopped, we applaud him for that.
” We are here because of the proposed security profiling. I insist that if security profiling must be done, members of AKDF should be communicated properly.
” We are not here to fight against government policies. We reject policies that will bring back touts to the streets.
” Am a victim of cultism and touting. I was beaten to the point that i was taking with an ambulance to Amaku hospital.
” AKDF have written to Anambra State government and we are hoping that the Governor will act on it accordingly. Forcefully taking money from Keke drivers is wrong”. Obi the convener of AKDF said.
A member of AKDF, Mr. Ifeanyi Okafor while speaking reassured Governor Soludo of the support of the union. He commended the state government on the various road projects.
Okafor lamented over the attitude of some appointees who are sabotaging the policies and good intentions of the government, urging the Governor to do the needful.
“Some Keke drivers in Awka pay upto a thousand naira daily while some in Onitsha pay upto three thousand naira daily.
“We say no to security profiling. Our data is already with the state government. We know that their interest is in the 2,500 fee and we have refused to pay it.
“Former Keke union leader Mr. Snoop is been used. We dont listen to him again because he is working against us. He is now impounding and arresting our members in Amawbia, Awka LGA.
“We are not against renewal of particulars. It is legal but the economy is bad and we are facing hardship. Let government consider us” Okafor submitted.
Also Speaking, Mr. Collins Ude, a member of AKDF said some of the policies of government are not in the interest of the people. The data capturing we did not long ago has the details of all members. If they need our profile, its there. This is another way of introducing unionism back.
” The Governor has given us a directive on how to pay tax, and we are complying to it and are up to date with our payments.
“We are not owing the government. We say no to any form of extortion from old touts with quationable character.
” It is not the responsibility of anti-tout to check or demand for our documents. The cost of renewal has been increased from 5,000 to 12,5000 despite the hardship we are facing. This is not acceptable’. Ude lamented.
General Secretary Anambra Keke Drivers Forum, Mr. Uchenna Umeh on his part pleaded with Governor Chukwuma Soludo to attend to their petitions and complains as soon as possible.
“Keke drivers who operate from government parks are forced to pay on a daily bases. We are getting fed-up and we are pleading for the assistance of those concerned.
Reacting, The Majority Leader Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme in his speech, commended the members of AKDF for their cordination and decorum in voicing their complains.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the member representing Ekwusigo constituency assured them that their complaints will be looked into.
” Write to the House of Assembly officially and outline clearly your petitions. We have passed the law against cultism and those aiding them. Anyone cought will be arrested and investigated, if found guilty, he will face the penalties.
“Governor Soludo understands the pain of ndi Anambra. Don’t put laws into your hands. Get more evidence and the pictures of those who are involved. There is law on anti-tout which checkmates their activities and mode of Operations.
“The essence of the profiling is to tackle insecurity in the state because most of the crime today are committed with Keke. This has dent the image of AKDF members and it is worrisome.
“As lawmakers, oversight is part of our functions. We will investigate and come up with a resolution’. Ofodeme assured.
DPO B-division Emeka Obi in his address, commended AKDF members for their orderliness. He charged them to be of good behavior while carrying out their daily activities.
“Dont be part of people who will allow their Keke to be used for criminality because if you are caught, the law will take it’s cause.
“Be of good behavior. Do what is expected of you. It is your right to protest peaceful and not expected to be violence. You are to be law abiding and if you have any grievances, meet the appropriate government agencies just as you have done today. We want peace and security in our land”. The DPO said.
