By Praise Chinecherem
No fewer than 300 tricycle operators in Anambra State on Monday embarked on a road show in solidarity with Governor Chukwuma Soludo road infrastructure across the state.
The operators, under the agies of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) said they were satisfied with the ongoing road construction across the state, describing it as proof of accountability of their tax payment.
Speaking to reporters, Public Relations Officer of the group, Amos Nweke said although they had not received any physical cash from the governor, his road network had saved so much money for them from frequent visits to mechanic workshop.
He said, “We have marched round the capital city and seen for ourselves the massive road constructions being carried out by Soludo across the state.
“During his campaign, the governor promised us he would transform Anambra to African Dubai. We’re very happy he’s keeping to his promise and we call on him to continue.
“With these massive road construction across the state, we believe that other promises, including eradication of touts in the state is a sure bet.
“Although Soludo did not give us any money to carry out this rally, but if I say he has given us money, I won’t be lying because of the money he has saved for us.
“Before he came in, we’ve been paying through our nose in the hands of the touts and unions. We also visit the mechanic regularly because of bad roads.
But as soon as he came, he eliminated those monies. Before now, I used to visit mechanic every week. But the story has changed. The last time I visited mechanic was in January. I only visit to change oil.
“Even though some mechanic are ignorantly boasting that the reason we’ve not been frequenting their workshops is because of their expertise. But we know it’s because of the good roads.
“I ply from St. Faith to Agulu Awka. Before now, especially during the rainy season, we usually struggle with flood. But now, the road is expressway.”
Another member, Peter Umemadufo described Soludo as a man of his words and exceptionally different from his predecessors.
“Honestly, the governor has done well. During his campaign, he promised to declare state of emergency on Anambra roads. That promise he’s keeping.
“I’m personally happy with him. Soludo has no competitor as long as 2025 election in the state is concerned. We’re telling our people to get their PVC ready.
“The devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know. What he’s done in less than two years, I don’t any other governor before him have done that. Over 400km road across local government areas of the state.
Coordinator of the group, Comrade Osita Obi said the rally had no political coloration.
He said, “The essence of the road show being carried out by over 300 Keke drivers is to see what the governor is doing, where the tax they’re paying are deployed to.
“We praise the governor where he’s doing well and ask him to continue. We also want more Keke drivers to come into government tax rate so government will have more money to embark on more roads.
“This exercise is not poltically motivated. I’m not swayed by any political party, but totally dependent. I praise what is good and criticize what is bad.
“This is my brain child. I’m the sponsor, originator, financier and facilitator. Go and check my pedigree. I started this project over 40 years ago.”
