The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State has backed the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, for another term. They praised improved security, better roads, and social amenities in the state.
The Keke Riders also showed their support for President Bola Tinubu. They highlighted projects like the Enugu, Onitsha Road, Enugu, Port Harcourt Expressway, New Artisan Bridge, and Obinagu Flyover.
Governor Mbah recently canceled the N750 daily payment that tricycle operators had to make. He also extended their working hours from 9pm to 10pm.
Mbah said tricycle operators can also use the state’s modern transport terminals for free.
At Okpara Square in Enugu, Kingsley Edeh, the state Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, led the endorsement during a “One Million March” on Saturday. He said the endorsements were based on achievements that have positively affected tricycle riders, their families, and the people of Enugu State.
“Which will we reel out and leave the other? Is it the security and good roads, which now enable us to ply our trade without any problems, the 267 Smart Green Schools, the completion of long-abandoned projects such as the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Four Mills, Hotel Presidential, and many more?
“We can also see the infrastructure President Tinubu is building in the South East and the support he is giving to our governors.
“So, we will vote APC from top to bottom come 2027,” he declared.
The National Secretary of the Tricycle Riders Association, Sunday Enang, also backed Mbah. He called him a ‘magician’ in governance. He noted that no other governor achieved what Mbah has in three years.
“Your ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ vision is evident in the construction of modern transport terminals, the establishment of Enugu Air, investment in an asphalt plant, intra- and inter-city road construction, and efforts to improve traffic flow and urban transportation.
“These initiatives are promoting safer, more organized, and more efficient movement across the state.
“We also commend the policy allowing tricycle operators to use designated terminals without paying toll fees. This support recognizes their contribution to the economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families.
“These practical policies reflect innovation and show how effective leadership can turn vision into real opportunities,” he said.
Mbah responded by calling tricycle operators key players in the state’s economy. He said his administration is focused on growth and poverty reduction, so they are making efforts to increase their income.
“You are the powerhouse of our economy because you set out early in the morning, working long hours, navigating traffic, taking our workers to work, taking our students to school, moving our people from urban areas to rural communities, connecting businesses, and helping traders get to their businesses. A lot of people earn their living because of what you do.
“But we also see your struggles. So, I have started engaging with your executives on how we can make life better for you. As the Managing Director of the Transport Terminal just said, no more payment by our tricycle riders at any of the transport terminals.
“Let me also recognize something. Our government, as you know, is not just about growth. We are also interested in ending poverty and making sure that you have more money or disposable income to take care of your family. And so, the issue of tickets is sealed. No more tickets for you.
“Again, when we came into office in 2023, we inherited a curfew on tricycle operators such that they could only operate from 6am to 9pm. There was a sit-at-home, but we have ended that with your support. Today, Enugu State is safe. So, we will be shifting your operational time limit from 9pm to 10pm,” he said.
Mbah noted their praise for the fast road construction. He said this is part of the government’s plan to help them save money on repairs. He promised to construct and reconstruct all the remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state.
“Because I understand how bad roads can be, not only for your tricycles and the money you spend on repairs, but also for the time you spend at the mechanic, all the roads in Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw Area, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner, Uwani, among others, are paved or being paved.
“I can assure you that there will be no road in our city that will be unpaved. We are going to pave all the remaining 1,022 roads,” he emphasized.
Mbah promised to do everything possible to maintain safety and peace in Enugu.
“You must treasure it. You must protect it. Enugu is on an upward trajectory. We will not allow those deceptive voices and politicians who campaign in poetry but only govern in prose. With our government, you have experienced real development and growth.
“Let me also warn that we have worked extremely hard to establish a safe state. Nobody, no matter their ambition, will take that away from us. And we will not stop at anything, using all legal means to hold accountable anyone who tries to disrupt our peace and security. We have zero tolerance for violence.”
He urged the people to prepare their PVCs for the 2027 elections and vote for him, all APC candidates, and President Bola Tinubu. He said Tinubu’s policies have helped fund the many projects mentioned.
Other speakers at the event included the Enugu State Chairman of the APC, Martins Chukwunweike, Grand Patron of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, and the Managing Director of Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals, John Egbo.
Drop your comment
No comments yet — be the first to drop the gist 👇