By Mercy Onyenweli
As activities marking the 2027 Workers’ Day celebration unfolded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Comrade Aruna Mohammed has appealed on Governor Monday Okpebholo to lift the ban on the Amalgamated National Union of Tricycle and Motorcycle Transport Workers (ANNEWAT), citing the need for a stronger monitoring and regulatory framework in the state’s transport sector.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Comrade Aruna appealed to the state government to recall ANNEWAT, enabling its members to resume their roles in supervising and regulating commercial tricycle (keke) and motorcycle operators across Edo State.
He noted that although the union’s leadership structure is currently not operational, reports have continued to emerge about individuals impersonating ANNEWAT officials to exploit drivers through illegal levies and extortion.
According to him, restoring the union’s activities would help reestablish order, curb impersonation, and strengthen accountability within the system.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns from residents and stakeholders over the increasing influx of illegal commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, across various parts of the state.
Comrade Aruna allege that many of these riders are being transported into the state through trailers from northern regions, after which they blend into existing informal networks. This, they say, has made identification and regulation increasingly difficult for authorities.
Rising insecurity has also been linked to the trend.
He claim that criminal elements exploit the anonymity within the okada system to perpetrate crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, and in some cases, acting as couriers in ransom-related operations.
These allegations have heightened public anxiety and intensified calls for urgent government intervention.
He further recalled that prior to the ban on commercial motorcycle operations, enforcement and monitoring teams were actively engaged in ensuring compliance, proper documentation, and identification of defaulters.
The apparent absence of such structured oversight, he argued, has created loopholes now being exploited.
While some citizens advocate for lifting or modifying the ban on okada operations—alongside the reintroduction of a robust registration and monitoring system—others caution that any policy shift must be carefully implemented.
He emphasize the need for clear operational guidelines, proper identification mechanisms, and close collaboration with security agencies to prevent further security challenges.
Comrade Aruna stressed that swift government action is necessary, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.
He warned that failure to address the situation could lead to increased exploitation of operators and further compromise public safety.
While commending Governor Okpebholo for ongoing developmental efforts in Edo State, he maintained that the administration would benefit from the support of organized transport bodies like ANNEWAT in mobilizing and coordinating grassroots engagement.
As debates continue, many residents are calling for a balanced and strategic approach—one that takes into account both the economic importance of commercial transport and the urgent need to ensure safety, order, and accountability on the roads.