By Karen James
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, alongside his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, received a massive show of support on Monday as thousands of drivers and transport stakeholders across the state gathered at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha North, to endorse his re-election bid ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
Speaking at the Drivers’ Endorsement Mega Rally, Governor Soludo commended the transport community for their overwhelming solidarity, describing them as “critical stakeholders and lifelines of Anambra’s economy.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting them from exploitation and ensuring a fair and transparent transport system.
“My deputy and I appreciate your endorsement. We thank you not only for your support but also for the vital role you play in driving the economy of the state. You are the lifeline of Anambra’s economy,” Soludo stated.
While acknowledging the enormous contributions of drivers and transporters to the state’s economy, the governor warned touts and unscrupulous government agents against extorting money from drivers, insisting that such practices undermine the integrity of his administration’s reforms.
“We are going to establish a task force to tackle all forms of illegal levy collection. Nobody should collect cash from drivers. All payments must be made through the government’s digital platforms. Anyone demanding cash is acting illegally,” he warned.
Governor Soludo also reminded drivers of the need to obey traffic regulations, emphasizing that his government would not tolerate lawlessness on the roads.
“Traffic laws are not made to punish but to protect.
Disobedience to them can lead to accidents and deaths. Anyone who violates traffic laws should face the appropriate penalty—nothing more,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his resolve to eliminate touting and multiple taxation in the transport sector, adding that reports of extortion by certain officials would be dealt with decisively.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, described the rally as “a spontaneous show of appreciation for Soludo’s transformation of the transport system,” highlighting that the administration has constructed over 1,000 kilometers of roads, significantly reducing vehicle wear and maintenance costs for drivers.
Comrade Celestine Anere, the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade and Coordinator of the Solution Marshal/Transport, lauded the unity among drivers and transport unions, describing them as “foot soldiers” ready to defend the governor’s mandate at the polls.
“We are prepared for the election and any legal challenge the opposition may pose. The Solution Marshals, in collaboration with drivers, will do everything legally possible to ensure the governor’s victory,” he asserted.
Similarly, Comrade Osita Obi, Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum, praised Soludo’s “courageous, visionary, and people-centered” leadership, which he said had restored order, transparency, and dignity to the state’s transport operations through the introduction of digital unified ticketing and smart traffic management systems.
“Under Soludo, the era of touts, multiple taxation, and lawlessness is gone. Our roads are better, our businesses are stable, and our dignity has been restored. That is why we stand united—Soludo Again, Consolidation 2025!” Obi declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
The atmosphere was electrified with solidarity chants and pledges of loyalty from union leaders representing keke, bus, and truck drivers from the 21 local government areas of the state.
A representative of the Tricycle Drivers Union revealed that over 36,000 registered members are already mobilized to support Soludo’s re-election.
“Before now, bad roads crippled our income. But today, things have changed. Our maintenance costs are down, our roads are smooth, and our businesses thrive. Soludo has our votes,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Monday Nwokoye, Managing Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), assured drivers of continued safety and zero tolerance for extortion.
“No tout or agency will harass or extort you again. Anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law. Touts should leave Anambra State before SASA finds them—because if we catch you, body go tell you,” he warned.
The rally, which drew top government officials, transport union executives, and thousands of drivers, was described as a “renewed covenant of partnership” between the transport community and the Soludo administration—anchored on the shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and economically vibrant Anambra.
