Keke riders protest over high cost of Govt’s apron, ID card in Udu

By Timi Black
Chief Correspondent

Operators of tricycle riders in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday, have embarked on massive protest, blocking major roads and streets over what they described as exorbitant price of government mandatory apron, sticker and identity card for the riders.

The protest paralyzed commercial activities in the popular Udu market, as motorists and commuters were stranded for several hours.

The protesters said the Udu local government authority has asked them to buy compulsory apron at the cost of seven thousand naira, sticker and identity card at two thousand naira.

The protesting tricycle riders insisted that except the price is downsize, they can’t afford it, considering the current hardship and cost of fuel in the country.

The aggrieved Keke operators asserted: “We can’t pay seven thousand naira for an apron. We pay for several illegal and meaningless tickets, the State and local government daily tickets, several imposed by various task forces in Udu local government”.

They however, called on governor Ifeanyi Okowa to prevailed on the Udu Local Government authority to stop the illegal collections and imposed apron and sticker fees for the purpose of peace in area.

The angry riders further said they operate on hire purchase and after balancing in the day, they hardly make savings because of too much illegal payments.