ABAKALIKI — Thousands of transport operators and stakeholders in Ebonyi State on Thursday staged a solidarity walk in Abakaliki and unanimously adopted Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru as their sole candidate for a second term.
The endorsement took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium after a colourful procession from the Christian Ecumenical Centre. Tricycles, motorcycles, buses, mini-trucks and other commercial vehicles participated in the march.
The rally was organised by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Transport and Special Projects. Leaders and members of transport associations said they were backing the governor's re-election, describing 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 in 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 by 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 public 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 at strategic locations across Abakaliki, as well as the construction of modern bus shelters in the state capital and surrounding 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 to 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.
Also speaking, the General Manager of EBOTRANS, Hon. Mrs. Nnenna Jennifer Igwe, declared the corporation's unwavering support for Governor Nwifuru's re-election bid, citing his administration's remarkable achievements and commitment to the development of the state.
According to Igwe, the endorsement was based on a careful assessment of the governor's performance over the past three years, particularly his implementation of the People's Charter of Needs Agenda, which she said has brought significant progress across critical sectors of the state's economy.
She noted that under Governor Nwifuru's leadership, EBOTRANS has experienced unprecedented growth and operational transformation, leading to improved service delivery and expanded transportation services within and outside the state.
Among the achievements highlighted were the opening of new transport routes connecting Ebonyi State to Lagos, Ikom, Aba, Port Harcourt, and other major commercial centres across the country. The corporation also expanded its operations from Ovudu-Echi to Onitsha, Benin, Ore, and Lagos, thereby increasing accessibility and mobility for commuters.
The General Manager further disclosed that more than 12 previously non-functional vehicles were rehabilitated and returned to service, while tenancy agreements for over 16 operational depots across the state were renewed to ensure uninterrupted operations.
She added that infrastructural improvements were carried out across several EBOTRANS facilities, including the drilling of a motorised borehole at the Gunning Road Depot, the installation of solar-powered lighting at the Lagos Depot, and the renovation and upgrading of the Ishiagu and Abuja depots.
Igwe also praised the administration for prioritising staff welfare and professional development. According to her, drivers and other personnel have benefited from regular capacity-building programmes, retraining exercises, medical screenings, and health checks conducted in collaboration with relevant institutions and professionals.
She further revealed that new transport routes were established to serve strategic destinations, including the King David University of Medical Sciences, while additional routes were opened in Ikwo and the Enugu Terminal to improve connectivity across the state.
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 the people of Ebonyi 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.
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