Thousands of 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, Abakaliki, after members of various transport unions marched from the Christian Ecumenical Centre to the stadium in a colourful procession involving tricycles, motorcycles, buses, mini-trucks and other commercial vehicles.
The rally, organised by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Transport and Special Projects, brought together leaders and members of transport associations operating in the state, who declared their total support for the governor's re-election bid and described his administration as transformative and people-oriented.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Emeka Collins Igboke, said the endorsement was a recognition of Governor Nwifuru's commitment to democratic governance, infrastructural development and the welfare of transport operators in the state.
He noted that since assuming office, the governor had maintained a leadership style that promotes inclusiveness, transparency and respect for democratic principles, particularly in allowing transport unions to elect their leaders without interference.
According to him, the administration's policies have strengthened internal democracy within transport unions, promoted peace among operators and enhanced confidence in government.
Igboke highlighted several achievements recorded in the transport sector under the Nwifuru administration, including 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 and maintenance of traffic lights in strategic locations across Abakaliki, as well as the construction of modern bus shelters in the state capital and suburban areas.
The commissioner stated that the projects had significantly improved transportation services, enhanced road safety and provided greater comfort for commuters across the state.
"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," he said.
In their separate remarks, leaders of the various transport associations commended the governor for what they described as three years of innovation, infrastructural transformation and dedication to human capital development.
Among those who spoke were the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Chukwuemeka Mbam; Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Prince James Igwe; President of the Ebonyi Tipper Drivers Union, Comrade Chinedu Onicha; Chairman of the Association of Mass Transit Operators, Chief Augustine Nkanwanga; Chairman of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Chief Joseph Odanwu; Chairman of the Nigeria Lorry Drivers Association, Chief Emeka Nwibo; Chairman of the Mini Truck Operators Association, Comrade Julius Nwofoke; Chairman of the Ebonyi State Town Service Taxi Operators, Comrade Stanley Ogbonnaya; Chairman of the Ebonyi State Tricycle Riders and Owners Association, Comrade Nwabueze Uguru; and Chairman of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria, Comrade Nicholas Ekuma.
The union leaders said Governor Nwifuru's administration had restored sanity in the transport sector, improved security and fostered peaceful coexistence among transport operators across the state.
They also applauded the governor's road infrastructure projects, noting that improved road networks in virtually all local government areas and communities had reduced vehicle breakdowns and enhanced the movement of people and goods.
The transport leaders further commended the administration for eliminating multiple taxation, which they said had previously imposed hardships on transport operators.
According to them, the governor's open-door policy has encouraged active participation by stakeholders and ensured that different groups contribute meaningfully to governance.
They expressed confidence that a second term for the governor would consolidate the gains already recorded under the People's Charter of Needs agenda.
Responding on behalf of Governor Nwifuru, the Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, thanked the transport unions and stakeholders for the endorsement and overwhelming show of support.
Echiegu described the solidarity walk and endorsement as a demonstration of the confidence Ebonyi people have in the governor's leadership and developmental vision.
He 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.
The Chief of Staff stated that Governor Nwifuru remained committed to delivering more dividends of democracy and ensuring that all sectors of the state's economy benefited from ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
The event ended with a unanimous voice vote endorsing the governor for a second term, as transport operators waved banners and chanted slogans in support of his re-election, declaring that "four plus four equals eight" for Governor Nwifuru.
