Ibadan – The Oyo state chapter of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle And Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Seyi Makinde, endorsing his second term bid.
The chairman of the union, Com. Olugbode Solomon made this known, on Monday, during a press conference at their secretariat, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The Union which comprises the state executives, the Local and Branch Chairmen, and other executives from the 33 Local government areas in Oyo State said that the endorsement became necessary because of the godly and humanitarian approach of Engr. Seyi Makinde to issues concerning the citizens of the state.
His words: “ACOMORAN Oyo State is a body established by Law to manage the affairs of Commercial motorcycles and tricycle operators. Over the years, as a body, We have maintained a cordial relationship with the governments as we are not meant to be partisan but we are electorates. Let me assert: while we are not into political partisanship, we are human beings in the society being guided and affected by the actions and policies of the government of the day. As a law abiding union, we always see ourselves as partners in progress with the government of the day.
“Globally, the last four years have been a challenging moment for governments, corporate bodies and individuals, due to the global pandemic (Covid- 19), the threat of insecurity and its equivalents. Our nation also faced the challenges of END SARS which paralyzed our economic life. Unfortunately, some people lost their lives to these calamities. To some of our members who lived on daily income, it was a very hard time.
“Coming to the issue of the Covid -19 pandemic, in a bid to find solutions to it, many governments considered lockdown as a way out. On the threats of insecurity, blame was heaped on the weaker part of our society. In this case, in Nigeria, some state governments blamed the operators of Commercial motorcycles and tricycles (The Commercial Motorcyclist/Tricyclist Okada). In fact, in some states, motorcycle operations were banned outrightly, while motorcycles were seized and confiscated. Not less than 2000 motorcycles worth N450,000 each were confiscated and the riders whose only means of living was riding, were rendered jobless with threats of arrest from their dealers who bought the motorcycles for them on hire purchase. The period of economic hardship threw up the best and worst of our leaders. In some states, leaders became dictators.
“States were locked down without palliatives. Considering the challenges and the way those elected leaders had handled the situation as if four years is forever. ACOMORAN Oyo State in our meeting considers the reactions of those we have entrusted with leadership positions and concluded to have this press breaking. We are a body whose strength is in our united numerical strength.”
Olugbode, stated that part of the reasons why the Union endorsed Governor Makinde is the leadership role he played during the lockdown, Endsars protests and other impacts he has made in the state.
He said further: “May I state the obvious fact that came out of the lockdown. One, the office of the governor of Oyo State became envious of our neighbours because of the godly and humanitarian approach of our governor Engr. Seyi Makinde to issues concerning the citizens of the state. Everything was so managed in a way that, in spite of the global economic and health challenges, we in Oyo State experienced governance with the human face. This is reflected in many facets of life.
“Let me cite some instances to buttress my assertion, In July 2019, an okada man had an issue with security agents at Iwo road and he was shot. His excellency took responsibilities, paid all his hospital bills and paid the sum of N25,000 monthly to the rider for six months till he recovered. Initially, the newly introduced revenue ticket was planned to be sold to okada riders at N200 per bike. Sensing how difficult it would be for our members, we, ACOMORAN, wrote to His excellency that increment on the revenue ticket of okada would compound the woes of our members who only paid N200 for both revenue and the union ticket per day. We were able to meet His Excellency on the eve of the commencement of the ticket, 16 ^ (th) Feb, 2020. Immediately, the listening leader ordered the status quo to remain to give us ACOMORAN a sense of belonging and run our union.
“Despite pressure, criticism to lockdown Oyo during Covid-19, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde considered those of us who relied on daily income to make living and resulted in partial lockdown to reduce the effects on our economic life. The approach of His Excellency during the END SARS is also worth applauding. When some state governments used the state instruments of force and intimidation on the protesters, our governor joined them. He addressed them to remain calm and peaceful in pursuing their demands. He promised them that the government would look into their requests and do the needful. With him in their midst, trigger happy policemen or soldiers could not engage in unmerited shootings.
“When some state governors closed their eyes to the good side of Okada riders and some elites mounted pressure on the Seyi Makinde administration to follow the path, to reduce influx of okada riders into the state, the man of the people and Law abiding governor maintained that anyone who comes into Oyo State with the aim of making lawful business will not be restricted since it is enshrined in the 1999 constitution that a Nigerian can live and work in any part of Nigeria.
“Today, Oyo State is one of the most peaceful states to live in because there is an enabling environment. The effect of prompt payment of Salary is making life meaningful not only to the Civil Servants but all the citizens of Oyo State. Even though some argued, this should not be recorded as an achievement but we all know what Oyo State looked like when salaries were delayed or denied.
“Building of modern terminus/motor parks and Okada/tricycle parks is also commendable. This also has been condemned by some because they travelled in their private cars and will not consider the comfort of the masses whose only means of movement is public transportation. Thank you GSM, we need more okada/tricycle parks. The effect of this synergy between Oyo State government and ACOMORAN is reduction in jungle justice in the state. The free Data collection of okada riders in the state is another wonder under GSM administration. This has reduced the menace of crimes perpetrated by cyclists who were not our members.
“The payment of pension and gratuities has also promoted the retirees among us from being riders to owners. Once the basic needs of life – food, clothing and shelter – and it is the duty of the government to protect life, any government that takes away means of livelihood of the people has failed and the one that gives these basic needs shall be honoured.
“As a responsible organization, our leadership has carefully examined the campaign promises and debates of the leading political parties and candidates. Our expectation from those eyeing the office is to hear what they can do better or differently. We are really disappointed. Instead of addressing issues, what we see and hear is hatred, maligning, castigation, and expression of revenge mission which cannot have any positive effect on our dear state and its people. Some of them went as far as creating religious hatred which is not part of our life in this part of the nation.”
Olugbode, however urged the people of the state to be wary of factional groups and people who might want to mislead them against voting for Governor Seyi Makinde.
He appealed to the people of the state to vote wisely and for the continuity of a merciful government.
“My dear comrades in Oyo State, we have Gold placed on our hands. We enjoy the Gold. Certain quarters are promising us Diamonds that we have neither seen nor be sure of. My question is: shall we drop the Gold and opt for the Diamond we are not sure of? Definitely, our response is capital NO! On this note, we implore okada/tricycle riders to reciprocate the good gesture of Engineer Seyi Makinde by giving him your vote come Saturday 18th of March, 2023. It is believed that he who knows nothing believes anything. I am aware of some people who have been going about asking for money on behalf of ACOMORAN or okada rider but I want you to note that the GSM administration did not give us the fish but gave us the net to fish and not the bread but the bakery.
“Vote Governor Seyi Makinde the candidate of PDP. Every human being with a positive mission for safety should act like a frog. It always hides itself in a cold place for safety purposes. That is why our people always say: ‘Opolo ribi to tutu o basi fun igbe aye irorun’. Thank you all for your intelligent listening and affirmation!!!” he added.
