The Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka played host to a meeting between the Anambra State government today and Tricycle, or Keke, riders and Shuttle Bus Drivers in an effort to settle the revenue impasse.
It will be recalled that the state government recently rolled out tax system for commercial transport operators in the state which did not settle down well with the operators.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim who addressed the gathering, noted that the state government is making frantic efforts to resolve the revenue issue which necessitated his presence at the meeting.
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Dr. Ibezim called on the union to conduct themselves in an orderly manner so that their views will be heard to enable government take decisions that will benefit all, as the state government places the priority of all its citizens in due considerations.
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Security, Air Vice Marshal Ben Chiobi (Rtd) explained that the meeting was a democratic approach in having a direct link with tricycle riders in settling the revenue issue.
He explained that the resistance was probably from misunderstanding or intentional misinformation from the leadership as the agreement was made initially with proper consultations with the unions.
He noted that the meeting has provided them the ample opportunity to have direct contact with the riders and drivers and promised that more meetings will be held to resolve the issue.
For the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mazi Chukwumma Okpalaezeukwu said meeting with the Tricycle Riders will yield positive fruits that will benefit all.
Some Keke riders who spoke during the meeting, including Mr. Anthony Ejike and Mr. Ifeanyi emphasized that the fifteen thousand Naira monthly pay by Tricycle riders is quite huge to be paid once and suggested for a reduction and a convenient payment process to be arranged.
They thanked the state government for checking the menace of touts popularly known as agbero who extort money from them.
/ABS