A female Keke operator Angela Umeh, has appealed to Anambra state governor Charles Soludo to help her recover Keke that was unjustly impounded for over two weeks by officers of State Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).
Miss Angela, a native of Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area, operates from Aroma junction to Anambra State Secretariat and Federal Government secretariat on daily basis until her Keke was confiscated by ARTMA team led by one Goodluck on January 30th, 2024, for allegedly violating traffic rules in the state.
Following the seizure, Angela said, she had been out of job and this has affected her financial situation and she could no longer meet her daily needs including taking care of her aged mother
“My mother cries everyday and plead with me to take her to ARTMA’s office. But how can I since money for feeding is not there talk more of transporting her? We rely on little cash sympathisers give to me daily while making case for me at ARTMA’S office. My stomach ulcer has worsened. I fear that acute appendicitis doctor told me to come for surgery may rupture anytime due to my current health condition,” she further lamented.
According to investigation, Umeh was facing intimidation and harassment from male colleagues who felt threatened that most passengers in the route preferred her Keke to theirs, thereby depriving them some earnings.
“However, the lady, who joined transport sector due to joblessness, bemoaned that this was third time ARTMA officers led by Goodluck and Princewill had impounded her Keke, while allegedly queering why she had a courage to delve into males dominated driving business.
“In 2022 some of my male colleagues insisted that I must leave the route for them. They even invited the police to arrest me but when we got to the station I won and they were held behind the counter instead of me. After they regained their freedom, they pitched interest with the ARTMA officers and barred me from driving through Aroma junction to State and federal government Secretariat.
“I told them it won’t be possible to leave that route because others (males) are still driving through their. They demanded that we should be contributing N1000 each every two weeks and pay them as compensation for allowing us to apply through the route. We are complying to the directives as prompt as possible. But whenever they spot us on the route they will allow the men to pass and hold unto my tricycle,” she disclosed.
She, therefore, urged interventions of governor Soludo and Non-governmental organisations to secure complete release of her Keke which is even old and procured on hire purchase.
“My governor and all those who can help should come to my rescue. As I am talking to you now I have not been able to make my weekly commitment to the person who gave me the Keke on hire purchase. He is disturbed too. Please, everyone should help me beg the ARTMA officers to stop intimidating me because of anyone,” she further pleaded.
