Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Professor Chukwuma Soludo-led government has moved to resolve the lingering revenue impasse in Anambra state.
The government engaged the Tricycle (Keke) riders and Shuttle Bus Drivers in a meeting in an effort to settle the revenue impasse in the state.
The meeting took place at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the state capital.
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.
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.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mazi Chukwumma Okpalaezeukwu, said the meeting with 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.
