Ebonyi Transport Operators Tips Gov Nwifuru For Second Term ‎

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Transport operators and stakeholders across Ebonyi State on Thursday staged a massive solidarity walk in Abakaliki and unanimously adopted Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as their sole candidate for a second term in office.

‎ ‎The endorsement took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki followed a motion moved by the Chairman,Road Transport Operators of Nigeria,(RTEAN)Comrade Igwe James, (Samanja) and seconded by Comrade Julius Ofoke, after members of various transport unions marched from the Christian Ecumenical Centre to the stadium in a colourful procession. ‎

‎The event Organised by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Transport and Special Projects, the rally brought together leaders and members of transport associations operating in the state. They declared total support for the governor’s re-election bid, describing his administration as transformative and people oriented. ‎ ‎Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Emeka Collins Igboke, said the endorsement recognised Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to democratic governance, infrastructural development and the welfare of transport operators. ‎

‎He noted that since assuming office, the governor had promoted inclusiveness and transparency, particularly by allowing transport unions to elect their leaders without interference. According to Igboke, the administration’s policies have strengthened internal democracy within unions, promoted peace among operators, and enhanced confidence in government. ‎ ‎Highlighting achievements in the sector, the commissioner listed the introduction of free transportation services for civil and public servants through the People’s Charter of Needs buses, the establishment of EBOCAB, and the procurement of 20 new commuter buses for EBOTRANS. ‎ ‎He also cited the rehabilitation of traffic lights in strategic locations across Abakaliki and the construction of modern bus shelters in the capital and suburban areas. ‎ ‎“Having carefully assessed the performance of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, his commitment to democratic governance, people-oriented policies and transformational leadership, the transport sector has unanimously resolved to endorse him as its sole candidate for a second term in office,” Igboke stated. ‎ ‎Leaders of various transport associations who spoke at the event included the Chairman of NURTW, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Chukwuemeka Mbam; Chairman of RTEAN, Prince James Igwe; President of the Ebonyi Tipper Drivers Union, Comrade Chinedu Onicha; and Chairman of the Ebonyi State Tricycle Riders and Owners Association, Comrade Nwabueze Uguru, among others. ‎ ‎The union leaders commended the governor for restoring sanity in the transport sector, improving security, and fostering peaceful coexistence among operators. ‎ ‎They applauded his road infrastructure projects, noting that improved road networks in virtually all local government areas had reduced vehicle breakdowns and enhanced movement of people and goods. ‎ ‎They also praised the elimination of multiple taxation, which they said had previously imposed hardships on operators. ‎ ‎Responding on behalf of Governor Nwifuru, the Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, thanked the unions for the overwhelming support. He described the solidarity walk as a demonstration of the confidence Ebonyi people have in the governor’s leadership and developmental vision. ‎ ‎Echiegu assured the gathering that the administration would continue to prioritise the transport sector through policies and projects aimed at improving mobility, enhancing safety and promoting economic growth. On their part, the Chairman committee on Work and Transport, Hon. Joseph Ununu, and Chairman, EBOCAB,Mr Victor Okemini thanked governor Nwifuru for the development in the transport sector. ‎ ‎The event attracted leaders and members of tricycles opetators, motorcycles, buses, mini-trucks and other commercial vehicles were part of the convoy that brought Abakaliki to a standstill. ‎ ‎