Delta Keke, okada operators protest resuption of tickets
Commercial tricycle, keke, and motorcycle, okada, operators in Delta State have kicked against the reintroduction of daily tickets in the state
The sale of the tickets was stopped in the twilight of the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.
The collection of the ticket, which ranged between N500 and N700 daily, was stopped following the dissolution of the Keke/Okada union by the government.
It was learnt that the chairman of the union, Mr Obi Nzete, who is also the chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government, was allegedly working with the All Progressives Congress at the build-up of the election, which prompted Dr. Okowa to dissolve the union.
Keke riders, Philip Nwatu, Titus Okolie and Akpos Sampson, who spoke on the issue, noted that the introduction of the sale of tickets to commercial tricycle operators was ill-timed.
They said, “They are trying to impose the tickets on us. We are managing to make ends meet even with the suspension of the sales of tickets.
Nwatu said, “Former Governor Okowa took a wise decision by suspending the sales of tickets. He knew our conditions. Our condition is even worse now with the removal of fuel subsidies.”
Sampson called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to caution the said union leaders who announced the reintroduction of tickets.
He explained that the angry commercial operators of keke and okada will violently reject the reintroduction.
He said, “This may lead to public disorder. We do not need their welfare and protection. They should look for something better to do.”
Also, an okada rider, simply identified as Usman in Ugbomro community, said that the reintroduction of the sales of daily tickets would have effect on the masses, who depended on keke and okada for their movements.
He therefore appealed to Governor Oborevwori to sustain the suspension of the sales of daily tickets by former Governor Okowa.
Meanwhile, there was a protest in Ugbomro community in Uvwie Local Government Area and Warri area of the state against the reintroduction of the tickets on Wednesday.
Reacting to the development, the Delta State Government warned individuals or group involved in collection of unauthorized levies to desist forthwith.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, declared that the suspension of the collection of all forms of levies, particularly from motorcycle and tricycle riders in the state still subsists.
He added that everyone or group of persons caught violating the order will be made to face the wrath of the law.
