By James Nwakpa
The members of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN) popularly known as okada riders have continued to show their unalloyed support and commitments to achieving peace, unity and progress, following the successful election of their leaders in Ebonyi State.
The election which was conducted in Abakaliki on Saturday by the national body of the union saw the emergence of the former state caretaker chairman of the union, Comrade Ekuma Nicholas as the chairman-elect and other executives who were elected on a consensus basis.
In his official address, the state chairman-elect, who expressed his gratitude to the members of the union for considering him worthy to represent them at that enviable height, also promised never to betray the confidence reposed on him, while encouraging them to remain law-abiding, and that those who are hiding under the umbrella of okada to commit crimes should stay clear or be ready to face the full wrath of the law when nabbed.
He thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi for the massive transformation he has brought to the state, especially in the area of the good road network which he said has made okada work more lucrative than ever in the history of the state.
He also appreciated the national chairman and other national executive members of MTUN, the Ebonyi State Security Consultant, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the press and every other body for their various contributions which led to the success and peaceful conduct of the election.
In an interview, the state financial secretary elect and chairman Ekumenyi Branch of the union, Comrade Origbo Sunday assured of his readiness to always work for the interest of the entire union without allowing personal interests to deprive him of his official engagements while soliciting support from other members of the union for optimum performance.
Others who made their feelings known, including the state treasurer-elect Comrade Ojah Michael and the state welfare chairman-elect, Comrade Jeremiah Nwazuphu, commended the leadership ingenuity of Governor Umahi's led administration and encouraged all the members of the union to get their PVCs, to enable them to perform their civic responsibility of voting in the forthcoming general elections.
Recall that the substantive chairman with his executives had in recent time paid a courtesy visit to the state security consultant, Chief Emegha, who charged all the okada riders in the state to remain law-abiding citizens and never to engage themselves in any act capable of causing trouble in the state.
