The streets of Awka, Anambra State Capital, were on Monday filled with over 300 tricycle operators, who held a road show in solidarity with the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo over his massive road infrastructure development projects across the state.
The keke riders, under the aegis 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.
Recall that Governor Soludo had promised to turn Anambra into one big construction site immediately during the dry season and all over the state, massive road projects were ongoing.
Speaking to newsmen, the Public Relations Officer of the AKDF, Amos Nweke said although they had not received any physical cash from the governor, they had saved so much money from frequent visits to the mechanic workshop.
He said, “We want to march around the capital city and see 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 into African Dubai. We’re very happy he’s keeping to his promise and we call on him to continue.
“With these massive road constructions across the state, we believe that other promises, including the eradication of touts in the state, is a sure bet.
“Although Soludo did not give us any money to carry out this rally, 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 the mechanic every week. But the story has changed. The last time I visited the 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 floods. But now, the road is expressway.”
Another member, Peter Umemadufo described Soludo as a man of his word and exceptionally different from his predecessors.
“Honestly, the governor has done well. During his campaign, he promised to declare a state of emergency on Anambra roads. That promise he’s keeping.
“I’m personally happy with him. Soludo has no competitor as far as the 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 has done that. Over 400km of road across local government areas of the state.
On his part, the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Osita Obi said the rally had no political coloration.
He said, “The essence of the roadshow 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 the government will have more money to embark on more roads.
“This exercise is not politically 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 brainchild. I’m the sponsor, originator, financier, and facilitator. Go and check my pedigree. I started this project over 40 years ago.”
