Enugu Keke Riders Endorse Mbah, Tinubu for 2027 as Governor Abolishes Daily Levy, Extends Operations to 10pm
…Promises to pave remaining 1,022 urban roads, vows crackdown on violence
The Tricycle Riders Association of Enugu State has endorsed Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing improved security, massive road infrastructure development and other interventions aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
The association, popularly known as Keke Riders, declared its support for the two leaders during the grand finale of its “One Million Man March” at Okpara Square, Enugu, on Saturday.
The endorsement came as Governor Mbah announced the abolition of the N750 daily ticket payment imposed on tricycle operators, extended their operational hours from 9pm to 10pm and reaffirmed that they would continue to use the state’s modern transport terminals free of charge.
The governor said the measures were part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to improve the disposable incomes of commercial tricycle operators, reduce their financial burdens and support their livelihoods.
Leading the endorsement, the state Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the decision was informed by the achievements of the Mbah administration and the Federal Government, particularly in security, road construction, infrastructure and social development.
Edeh said the improvements had positively affected the businesses and livelihoods of tricycle operators, their families and the wider population of Enugu State.
He cited the improved security situation, better roads, the construction of 267 Smart Green Schools and the revival or completion of previously abandoned projects, including the International Conference Centre, Nigergas Limited, Sunrise Flour Mills and Hotel Presidential.
He also commended President Tinubu for infrastructure development in the South-East and his support for governors in the region.
“Which will we reel out and leave the other? Is it the security and good roads, which now enable us to ply our road 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?” he asked.
Edeh added: “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.”
Similarly, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Sunday Enang, described Mbah as a “magician” in governance, arguing that the governor’s achievements within three years had demonstrated an uncommon commitment to development.
Enang said the administration’s Tomorrow Is Here vision was evident in the construction of modern transport terminals, the establishment of Enugu Air, investment in an asphalt plant, road construction across urban and inter-city corridors, and initiatives to improve traffic management and public transportation.
According to him, the projects were promoting safer, more organised and efficient movement across the state.
He also praised the governor for allowing tricycle operators to use designated transport terminals without paying toll fees, describing the policy as a practical intervention in support of thousands of families dependent on the transport business.
“These practical policies reflect disruptive innovation and demonstrate how effective leadership can turn vision into tangible opportunities,” Enang said.
Responding, Governor Mbah described tricycle operators as indispensable contributors to the state’s economy, noting that their daily activities connected workers, students, traders and businesses across urban and rural communities.
He said his administration recognised the economic challenges confronting operators and was committed to introducing policies that would ease their burdens and improve their earnings.
“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,” the governor said.
“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.”
Mbah further announced the abolition of daily ticketing for tricycle operators, stressing that the decision was consistent with his administration’s broader objective of tackling poverty and increasing household disposable incomes.
“Let me also recognise 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,” he declared.
The governor also recalled that tricycle operators had previously been restricted to operating between 6am and 9pm following the security challenges associated with the sit-at-home order.
He said the improved security situation had enabled the government to extend their operational hours by one hour.
“Today, Enugu State is safe. So, we will be shifting your operational time limit from 9pm to 10pm,” he said.
On infrastructure, Mbah said the government’s extensive road construction programme was intended not only to improve mobility but also to reduce the cost of maintaining tricycles, which frequently suffer mechanical damage from bad roads.
He explained that better road networks would enable operators to spend less on repairs, reduce time lost at mechanic workshops and improve their daily earnings.
The governor listed Emene, Abakpa, Idaw River, Trans-Ekulu, Awkunanaw, Coal Camp, New Haven, Thinkers Corner and Uwani among the areas where roads had been paved or were undergoing construction.
He pledged that his administration would pave all the remaining 1,022 urban roads in the state.
“Because I understand how bad roads can be terrible, 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 emphasised.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would take all lawful measures to preserve the prevailing peace and security in Enugu State, warning politicians and other individuals against actions capable of undermining public safety.
He urged residents to protect the gains recorded in the security sector, insisting that the state would not tolerate violence or attempts to destabilise it for political purposes.
“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 real growth,” he said.
Mbah warned that nobody, irrespective of political ambition, would be allowed to threaten the peace painstakingly built in the state.
“And we will not stop at anything, deploying all means necessary within the law to bring to book any violator or anybody who tries to import thugs to disrupt the peace and public safety we enjoy in this city and this state. We have zero tolerance for violence,” he added.
The governor urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the 2027 general elections, calling on them to vote for him, President Tinubu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He attributed the availability of resources for the execution of numerous development projects to the policies of the Tinubu administration.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
