Tricycle Operators Hail Gov. Otti’s Infrastructure Strides With Free Fuel Palliative In Aba

The Abia State Tricycles Operators Union (ASTOPU) has distributed free fuel to commercial tricycle operators in Aba, the Enyimba City, in appreciation for the road infrastructure revolution spearheaded by Governor Alex Otti.

The fuel palliative was distributed across key locations in the city, including Tonimas Filling Station on Aba-Owerri Road, New Filling Station on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Mainland Filling Station at MCC, and Conoil on Asa Road, among others.

Flagging off the exercise, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, emphasized the critical role of commercial transport operators in the socio-economic development of the state.

“Without a seamless transport system, the state would be underdeveloped. These operators are partners in progress”, Dr. Ukaegbu said.

The Commissioner urged the operators to regularly pay their taxes and levies, which he said would enable the government to serve them better.

He also encouraged strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations, assuring the tricyclists that the government remains committed to protecting their interests.

“No one will be allowed to exploit you”, he affirmed.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, described transport as the “gateway to development” and called on the tricycle operators to continue partnering with the government for the progress of Abia State.

“We are supporting their activities because the union is a union that oversees all the activities of tricycle operation in the state.

“The tricyclists pay a daily tax, commonly referred to as a daily ticket, which supports state revenue and services”, he said.

The Chairman of ASTOPU, Mr. Victor Azubuike, explained that the free fuel distribution was a gesture to acknowledge and celebrate Governor Otti’s commitment to infrastructure development, especially road rehabilitation, which has greatly benefited transporters in the state.

“Before now, we always went to the mechanic for one thing or the other because of bad roads. But as I’m telling you today, we move everywhere freely, no potholes, nothing. Our machines are okay.

“We only go to the mechanic to change oil and handle minor issues, unlike before. And most importantly, the impact of the Governor’s efforts on water control is commendable.

“We are in line with what His Excellency is doing. We want to follow in his footsteps. We are happy. In fact, our hearts are full of joy because of all the things His Excellency has done. Here in Aba, we, the transporters, are the first beneficiaries”, he added.

Some of the beneficiaries of the fuel palliative, including Mr. Kingsley Nwachukwu and Mr. Akachi Orji, expressed appreciation to ASTOPU and the Abia State Government for relieving them of the burden of buying PMS daily, especially in the challenging economic times.

Related