Thousands of transport operators and stakeholders in Ebonyi State held a solidarity rally in Abakaliki, where they endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office.
The endorsement took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium after members of various transport unions marched from the Christian Ecumenical Centre to the venue in a 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 across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects, Prince Emeka Collins Igboke, said the endorsement reflected the transport sector’s assessment of the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru.
He said the governor’s administration had prioritised infrastructural development, democratic governance and the welfare of transport operators in the state.
According to Igboke, Governor Nwifuru has maintained an inclusive leadership style by allowing transport unions to elect their leaders without interference, a development he said has strengthened internal democracy and promoted harmony among operators.
He stated that the administration’s policies had enhanced cooperation within the transport sector and improved confidence between operators and government.
Highlighting achievements in the sector, the commissioner listed 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 commuter buses for EBOTRANS.
He also cited the rehabilitation of traffic lights at strategic locations across Abakaliki and the construction of modern bus shelters within the state capital and surrounding communities.
According to him, the projects have improved transportation services, enhanced road safety and increased commuter convenience.
“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,” Igboke said.
Leaders of the various transport associations also commended the governor’s administration for what they described as improvements in infrastructure, security and transport sector reforms over the past three years.
Among those who addressed the gathering 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 the Nwifuru administration had contributed to improved orderliness within the transport sector, strengthened security and fostered peaceful coexistence among transport operators across the state.
