Commercial motorcycle operators in Afikpo, popularly known as Okada riders, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing e-ticketing system, during a meeting with the Member representing Afikpo North East Constituency in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali, popularly known as Chief P Noble.
Speaking at the meeting, which held earlier today, the riders alleged that they were misled by the e-ticketing contractor, King Jibe, who used his younger brother—known as Otu PNoble—to make it appear as though the state government was empowering them through the scheme. The riders said they were made to spend four days at the Afikpo North LGA headquarters under the impression that the initiative was beneficial and would be implemented statewide. However, they later discovered that only Afikpo North was being targeted.
The riders lamented the arrest of their members under accusations of selling illegal tickets. While some arrested riders from Abaomege were released after N100,000 was paid by the LGA Chairman, others from Afikpo were taken to Abakaliki, charged to court, and granted bail at over N800,000. To secure their release, the association reportedly took loans from LAPO Microfinance Bank.
Another major complaint was the shift from daily to weekly ticketing, costing between N1,200 and N1,400 per rider, regardless of whether the rider would work every day. They argued that daily tickets would be fairer, especially for riders who work part-time or may fall ill.
Additionally, they called for multiple ticketing points at various junctions such as Amachi, Ozizza, Unwana, Akpoha, and Afikpo Motor Park, instead of requiring everyone to gather at Amuro Town Hall. Concerns were also raised over a directive for each rider to buy Android phones worth over N200,000 to enable tracking—an expense they called unrealistic.
The riders also frowned at the use of disbanded Ebubeagu operatives to enforce the scheme, calling it a form of intimidation. They emphasized that they agreed to the meeting out of respect for Chief P Noble, not because they accepted the process.
In response, Chief P Noble clarified that he is not the contractor of the e-ticketing initiative and was not involved in its design. He took note of their grievances and distilled them into 21 key points, which he promised to present to the Afikpo North LGA Chairman and the contractor. He added that if no resolution is reached, he would take the matter up with the State Governor.
He thanked the riders for honoring the invitation on short notice and acknowledged the economic importance of Okada riders in the community. “When you strike, everyone feels it — from traders to civil servants. That’s why I stand with you on resolving this matter,” he stated.
The next point of action will be a meeting with the LGA Chairman, Chief Timothy Nwachi, expected later today, with a possible follow-up meeting scheduled for next Saturday.
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