In a bold move to stem the tide of insecurity across Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), the Chairman, Sir Dr. Chukwu Ogbogu Shedrack, Esq., DSSRS, has dissolved all commercial tricycle (keke) and motorcycle operators’ unions, imposed operational restrictions, and constituted interim caretaker committees to oversee the sector.
The sweeping directives came after a high-level interactive session held with the leadership of transport unions, where the Chairman identified leadership tussles and late-night operations as major triggers of recent attacks within Omoku and its environs.
Effective Sunday, September 14, 2025, tricycles and motorcycles will no longer operate within ONELGA between the hours of 9pm and 6am. The Chairman disclosed that the restriction followed extensive consultations with the Oba of Ogbaland, traditional rulers, security agencies, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and other stakeholders. He instructed the Police and other security agencies to enforce the order strictly, including profiling and registering all operators.
Sir Chukwu stressed that the measures were not reactions to a breakdown of law and order, but a proactive step to forestall future crimes, especially in light of repeated complaints of theft and killings of operators.
“These steps are aimed at protecting lives, restoring peace among unions, and boosting confidence in the Council’s commitment to security and good governance,” Sir Chukwu declared.
As part of the restructuring, a 21-member interim caretaker committee has been set up for both associations. For the bike riders’ union, Nwadibia Azubuike was named Chairman with Adiela Dennis as Secretary, alongside nine other members. For keke operators, Nwokocha Goodluck was appointed Chairman and Ohia Isaac as Secretary, with eight others serving as members. The committees will serve for six months before formal elections are held under Council supervision.
The Chairman also addressed the controversy surrounding tricycles procured under the administration of Hon. Umejuru Isaac, directing the supplier, Mr. Obulor Ajie, CEO of Obulor Auto Supplies, to immediately return six seized tricycles to Council while assuring that outstanding balances owed would be settled.
The Area Commander of Police, ACP M. Mahe, lauded the Chairman’s initiative, describing it as a welcome policy to strengthen security in the L.G.A.
Similarly, the Chairman of NURTW ONELGA commended the Council Boss for resolving long-standing crises within the unions and pledged full cooperation with the new directives.
