Illegal Revenue Collection: Anambra Govt Dissolves Tricycle Union

The Anambra Commissioner for Transport Sir Uchenna Okafor has dissolved the Executive of Keke Tricycle Union (KKAWAAPU) in the state.

According to a statement made available to the ABS, the Commissioner met with the dissolved leadership of the Union and riders earlier in his office at Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka and warned them not to disobey the order.

The statement said he reminded them that the Ministry was notified of the activities of illegal IGR Agents in the operations of Keke tricycles about three months ago and he quickly called them and tasked them to identify the illegal IGR Agents that sell fake tickets to riders within three months and regretted that up till now, the executive could not point at one person as the illegal IGR Agent which he noted was a pointer that the leadership is benefiting from whatever proceeds the illegal IGR Agents collect.

It said the Commissioner observed that the leadership of Keke union, obviously connives with enemies of the state and extort money from the suffering Keke riders which he made clear would no longer be condoned and announced that the Ministry will set up a caretaker committee in due course that will ensure sanity in the leadership of Keke tricycle Union.

The statement said the Commissioner used the opportunity to reiterate that all forms of IGR collection or union dues on the streets and roads of Anambra State remain banned and restated that the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, the Nigeria Army and other Security Agencies have been briefed to arrest and prosecute anybody or group parading as the executive of Keke Tricycle Union in the state.

Meanwhile the Commissioner had earlier played host to the new Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Andrew Kumapayi who resumed duties some weeks ago.

Mr. Kumapayi in his speech commended the efforts of the Commissioner in ensuring free flow of traffic throughout the state.

He noted that state government’s policies have greatly helped in reduction of accidents, improved free flow of traffic even during yuletide and has further enhanced the cordial relationship that exist between the Ministry and the Anambra State sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission and called for continued partnership in that regard.

Responding, Hon. Okafor thanked the visiting team and pledged his continous support in ensuring free flow of traffic in the state and asked the Sector Commander to feel free and carry out his duties as Anambra remains the safest state in Nigeria.