From Amuche Agbo, Abakaliki
The members of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria, popularly known as Okada Riders in Ebonyi State have elected new leaders who will pilot the affairs of the union in the state.
The election which was held in Abakaliki saw the emergence of Rev. Nicholas Akuma as the new chairman alongside other executives. Reverence Ekuma who had been at the helm of the union's affair in a caretaker capacity was elected unopposed on Saturday 2nd July 2022 as the chairman under the watch of the representatives of the Ebonyi Government.
Some of the other executives also elected include Mr Njoku Daniel Bassy Secretary and Mr Emmanuel Eze Treasurer.
While the following were appointed into various positions to help in running day to day business of the union. They include Mr Ukpai Agha Nnachi Vice Chairman, Mr Stanley Orogwu Assistant Secretary, Mr Dickson Nkama PRO 1, and Mr Uchenna Ali PRO 2.
Others are Mr Monday Nwigwe organizing Secretary, Mr Ikechukwu Otozi assistant organizing Secretary, Mr Eze Eze Provost 1, Mr Paul Anyigor Provost 2, Mr Ekpe Solomon Publicity Secretary, Mr Harrison Ngwu assistant publicity Secretary, Mr Jeremiah Nwazuphu welfare chairman, Mr Paul Nworie welfare 2, Mr Amobi Emmanuel welfare 1, Mr Iren Chukwu special duty, Mr Michael Oja ex-officio 1, Mr Sunday Aleke ex-officio 2, Mr Ogbonna Fidelis chief taskforce and Mr Nwokwu Ebukuku taskforce.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the election, the chairman of the electoral committee Mr Obi Nwogwudu said the election was free, fair and credibly conducted as it recorded no hitches.
Mr Nwogwudu who is also the National Treasurer of the union hinted the new leaders were elected unopposed on the platform of peace and charged them to remain, good ambassadors of the union, as well as strive to obey road traffic laws as they continue to go about their lawful businesses and maintain a high level of cordiality with their customers and the general public.
On its part, the Ebonyi Government through the State Security Consultant Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha appreciated members of the union for the peaceful conduct of the exercise. Chief Emegha appealed to the people to accord the necessary support to their chairman to move the union forward, noting that the union is very vital to the State Government economy and can't afford to see them going into crisis.
Speaking further, the security consultant enjoined any aggrieved members of the union not to hesitate in reporting to his office for immediate settlement as they are partners in progress.
Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi Governor on Transport Barr. Uchenna Otuu decried the high level of recklessness exhibited by okada riders in the Abakaliki metropolitan, which according to him runs contrary to theire33ßeee3333333e motto that says unity and progress.
However, he charged them to embrace orderliness in their operations and encouraged them to persistently observe traffic rules as anybody caught by the joint task force on road traffic set up by the State Government in disobeying it would be severely punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman elects Reverend Nicholas Akuma lauded the State Government under the leadership of Governor David Umahi and members of Okada union for the honour bestowed on him to serve in that capacity.
He observed that the election by the grace of God has facilitated putting an end to the crisis that was ravaging the union in the State
He maintained that he would ensure unity of purpose among members in his leadership and consolidate on the already existing relationship between the union and the Ebonyi Government for the overall interest and development of the State.
He also admonished members of the union to remain law-abiding, shun acts capable of generating crisis in the State, abstain from reckless driving as well as maintain a good relationship between them and their passengers.
