The Conference of Keke Union in South East (COKUSE) has slated August 20th this year 2021 to stage a massive protest against the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige,for his undue interference in the recent Congress Election of Anambra State branch of Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN).
The President of the COKUSE , Comrade Uzoma Anunihu flagged with his Secretary Unah Zacheaus Unah, said that every State branch of the Union in the South East would be sending 5,000 Keke riders from each of the 5 South East States to protest that will hold in Onitsha and Awka respectively, the Anambra State capital and commercial hub Centre.
Comrade Anunihu said the Union will call for his resignation during the protest but where he fails to resign, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , Muhammadu Buhari, should sack him.
He said the only thing that can stop the mother of all protest is for Dr. Ngige to publicly tender unreserved apology to the National leadership of TOAN and and its Anambra State chapter for his unwarranted interference in their internal affairs.
Comrade Anunihu said: But if he fails to publicly apologise,we will proceed with our protest.
The protest is going to be massive and total”.
He said the Minister has no locus standi or moral rights to interfere in the internal affairs of Keke owners and operators, asking ” does he think that we are bunch of illiterates?.
We have among us graduates and Masters degree holders.
It is the unemployment situation in the country, created by the likes of Ngige that compelled some of us to resort to Keke riding.
How does he think that he can come from Abuja and conduct election for us here ?”.
Comrade Anunihu said the Minister descended so low to have attempted to determine who becomes members of TOAN executives in Anambra State.
“What is Ngige’s interest in the leadership of Keke owners and riders in Anambra State.
Since he wants to dable into the election of TOAN in Anambra State, Keke Union in the South East will not hesitate to confront him frontally for the people to see his real person.
These are group of young people who have no job because of the terrible economic condition created by the likes of Ngige, yet he wants to stay in Abuja and determine the leaders of Keke owners and riders in Anambra State” said Comrade Anunihu.
“He cannot notify our election because he’s not a member of our trade Union.
Let him focus on how to create employment opportunities for our teeming graduates roaming the streets”.
There was an allegation that the Labour Minister was working hard to nullify the TOAN election which returned Comrade Sylvester Chibueze Obiora lead Executive as the chairman inspite of the fact the Congress election was observed by representatives of Trade Union Congress (TUC)as well as held in line with the laid down rules and regulations guiding TOAN as a Trade Union.
16th August 2021.