By Faith Affe
UGBOMORO/Nigeria: In Ugbomro Community, uproar ensues as commercial tricycle (keke) and motorcycle (Okada) riders vehemently oppose the reinstatement of daily ticket sales.
Philip Nwatu and Akpos Sampson, two Keke riders, expressed strong dissent, deeming the timing of the ticket sales reintroduction as highly inappropriate.
“Imposing tickets on us now is unjust. Even amid the ticket sales suspension, we manage to make ends meet. Former Governor Okowa’s decision was wise; he understood our plight. Now, with fuel subsidies removed, our condition worsens,” Nwatu argued vehemently.
Sampson echoed Nwatu’s sentiments, urging Governor Oborevwori to intervene and restrain the union leaders who announced the ticket sales’ return. He feared that enraged operators might resort to violent protests against the reintroduction.
“This move could spark public disorder. We reject their intervention in our welfare. They should seek more meaningful engagements,” Sampson emphasized.
Haruna Usman, an Okada rider, highlighted the wide-ranging impact of the ticket sales’ return, emphasizing its adverse effects on the masses reliant on Keke and Okada for transportation.
“The reintroduction will ripple through the community, affecting those who depend on us for their mobility. Governor Oborevwori must uphold the suspension initiated by former Governor Okowa,” Usman urged.
At the time of reporting, intense protests against the ticket sales’ reinstatement gripped the area, signifying the widespread discontent among the operators.
