Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Okada riders and others under the umbrella of Amalgamated Commercial Tricycles, Motorcycles, Owners , Riders and Repairs Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) have tasked Presidential candidates in all the political parties to give them assurance for assistance before voting them into power.
The National President, Alhaji Babangida Shehu Maihula at its mini convention, themed: “Redefining ACOMORAN” at the weekend said they understand the political dynamics of what is happening in the country as they ask for assurance of assistance from political aspirants to empower its members.
According to the National President, “ACOMORAN is a non political organisation and at a period like this we have become political bride for all the politicians”.
“We have not decided and we will not until whoever we are going to work with, reflect on empowerment to assist our members because there is always a promise not fulfilled”.
“We have started talking to our members not to be used as political thugs for negative activities that don’t contribute to the development of the country.
He expressed dismay that the rules of drivers license there was no consideration for an okada who is a low income earner, it is a flat rate for both taxi and car drivers.
In his words “We feel it’s not fair, we should be considered and reduce the price and make it obtainable for okada drivers. We are saying for anywhere they ban okada riders , they should replace the quantity of people they laid off their job.
He said the association is one of the largest union of more than ninety five percent youths in the country with rough estimation of 10 to 12 million of its members.
He explained that the convention is an annual event to reflect on what has happened and now set agenda for the next one.
“In some sections of our constitution that are outdated and not in tune with the 24th century and not carrying democratic norms .
“We now use the mini Convention to rectify to get the approval of the review of the constitution and amend certain clause for the betterment of the administration of the association.
On sanitising members, Babangida said they have started the process of registering members but not without some hitches.
He said reckless driving by it’s members has greatly reduced adding that in their last Convention, they were able to incorporate tricycles to the union.
“We open up the union to other members even owners and repairers.With our interactions with the FRSC and VIO we’ve had so many enlightenment campaigns that has made our members aware of the need to drive safely, carefully and obey traffic rules” he said.
