Avoid Juju, Shun Crime, Anambra Commissioner Tells Keke Riders, as Osita Obi Canvasses Welfare

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Tricycle (Keke) operators in Anambra State have been assured of government protection, provided they operate within the law and assist security agencies in flushing out criminal elements hiding among them.

The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Obiefuna Ibuzor, when leaders of the tricycle operators’ union, led by Anambra rights activist, Comrade Osita Obi, paid him a courtesy visit to present their grievances and seek improved welfare for operators across the state.

During the visit, Obi appealed to the state government to prioritise the welfare of tricycle operators, describing them as critical stakeholders in the state’s transport system whose concerns deserve urgent attention.

Responding, the commissioner pledged to tackle illegal levies imposed on riders and address other challenges confronting the operators.

“I understand your challenges because I have always been on the streets and served as Chairman of the House Committee on Transport. I will ensure you are not subjected to illegal levies. All I ask is that you remain law-abiding,” Ibuzor said.

He urged the operators to remain united and speak with one voice in pursuing their legitimate interests.

In a move aimed at ending the alleged harassment of Keke riders, the commissioner announced that the Ministry of Transport would next month convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Ocha Brigade and the Anti-Touting Squad at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre.

“We will engage the security agencies and appeal for a reduction in the harassment of law-abiding riders. If you obey the law, I will always stand by you,” he declared.

Ibuzor, however, warned that the involvement of some tricycle operators in criminal activities was tarnishing the image of genuine riders.

“Expose the bad eggs among you. If you see anyone using a Keke for criminal activities or tarnishing your image, report them immediately,” he said.

He also advised operators to cultivate a savings culture instead of spending their earnings on charms, rituals or the pursuit of quick wealth.

“Save part of your income. Don’t waste your money on juju or frivolous things. This business can give you a better future if you manage your finances wisely,” he said.

The commissioner further urged the riders to pay greater attention to their health by taking adequate rest.

On reforms in the transport sector, Ibuzor disclosed that the state government would soon introduce a smart rider’s permit containing operators’ personal details and electronic payment features.

According to him, the permit, which will cost ₦5,250, will be processed online, enabling riders to apply from any location.

He also revealed that the government had concluded arrangements for the management of parks across the state and would soon deploy uniformed personnel to oversee operations and ensure that only approved levies were collected.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State branch of AKDF, Comrade Ifeanyi Okafor, commended the commissioner for the reforms introduced in the transport sector.

He said operators had already begun to notice improvements and called for further reforms, including enhanced security measures and affordable registration fees.

According to him, the greatest challenge facing Keke operators is insecurity rather than the issue of stickers or number plates.

“What we need most is security and a smart identification number that can easily be seen from a distance,” he said.

Okafor appealed to the government to reduce the cost of the rider’s permit, describing the Keke business as a modest means of livelihood.

“Keke operation is not a lucrative business. Most of us are simply trying to earn an honest living and avoid idleness,” he said.

He disclosed that about 95 per cent of tricycle operators do not possess driver’s licences because many cannot afford them, urging the government to make the rider’s permit more affordable and accord it full legal backing.

A Vehicle Inspection Officer in the Ministry of Transport told the gathering that the rider’s permit is a legally recognised document designed specifically for tricycle operators.

He explained that holders of valid rider’s permits would not be unnecessarily harassed over driver’s licences, adding that the initiative forms part of the state’s efforts to sanitise the transport sector while improving security and regulatory compliance.