The leadership of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Oyo State chapter has directed all its members across the 33 local government areas to come out en mass and vote for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Seyi Makinde on Saturday, March 18, 2023 governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the members at the stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, Comrade (Dr.) Olugbode Solomon, who is the Chairman, expressed the readiness of all members of the Union to reciprocate the good gesture that Governor Makinde has extended to the Union so far by voting for him massively on Saturday.
“My dear comrades in Oyo State, we have gold placed on our hands, we enjoy the gold. Certain quarters are promising us diamonds that we have neither seen nor be sure of. My question is: Shall we drop the gold and opt for the diamond we are not sure of? Definitely, our response is capital NO!
“On this note, we implore okada/tricycle riders to reciprocate the good gesture of Engineer Seyi Makinde by giving him your vote come Saturday, 18th of March, 2023.”
Enumerating points considered by the ACOMORAN leadership before arriving at the decision, Comrade Solomon, said that Governor Seyi Makinde did well in the last three and half years, citing his approaches during the ravage of Covid-19 pandemic and #Endsars protest in the country.
“Despite pressure, criticism to lockdown Oyo State during Covid-19, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde considered those of us who relied on daily income to make a living and resulted in a partial lockdown to reduce the effects on our economic life. The approach of the governor during the #Endsars protest is also worth to be applauded. When some state governments used the states’ instruments of force and intimidation on the protesters, our governor joined them, he addressed them to remain calm and peaceful in pursuing their demands.
“When some states’ governors closed their eyes to the good side of okada riders and some elites mounted pressure on the Seyi Makinde led government to follow the path, to reduce influx of okada riders into the state, the man of the people and law abiding governor maintained that anyone who comes into Oyo State with the aim of making lawful business will not be restricted. Today, Oyo State is one of the most peaceful states to live in because there is an enabling environment.
“The effect of prompt payment of salary is making life meaningful not only to the civil servants but all the citizens of Oyo State. Building of modern Bus Terminal/motor parks and okada/tricycle parks is also commendable. The free data collection of riders in the state is another wonder under GSM administration. The payment of pension and gratuities has also promoted the retirees among us from being riders to owners,” Comrade Solomon said.
In his advice to the politicians in the state, ACOMORAN Chairman urged them to desist from the habit aiming to polarize the people of the state along religious line.
“As a responsible organization, our leadership has carefully examined the campaign promises and debates of the leading political parties and candidates. Our expectation from those eyeing the office is to hear what they can do better or differently, we are really disappointed. Instead of addressing issues, what we see and hear is hatred, malign, castigation, expression of revenge which cannot have any positive effect on our dear state and its people. Some of them went as far as creating religious hatred which is not part of our life in this part of the nation,” he added.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
