The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area in Anambra State, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, has agreed on a strategic partnership with tipper drivers across the state to support Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election campaign to address the challenges facing the union, particularly extortion and harassment.
Speaking during a meeting with the executives of the Tipper Drivers Union comprising 74 members at the Idemili North Secretariat on Thursday, Hon. Nkwoka urged the drivers to unite and speak with one voice to effectively engage with the government and resolve longstanding issues.
“It is better to form a common front for the actualization of Governor Soludo’s second term bid. After that, we can present our collective demands for actions,” Nkwoka said.
He noted that Soludo’s victory in the November 8 gubernatorial election is almost certain and advised opposition candidates from wasting their resources.
“I pity anyone who thinks he can challenge Soludo and win. He will just be wasting his money,” he stated.
Nkwoka, a former tipper driver himself, said his appointment as Mayor was a testament to Governor Soludo’s commitment to inclusivity.
“When my name was considered for this role, many questioned how a tipper driver could be appointed a mayor. But the governor ignored those gossips because he is rational and meticulous. That’s why I am here today,” he said.
Describing tipper drivers as hardworking individuals, not criminals, Nkwoka assured the union that their partnership with the government would lead to greater recognition and lasting solutions to their problems.
“The governor listens. If we work together with him, we can resolve every challenge. The tipper driver is not a criminal but a hard working citizen who lives off the sweat of his brow,” he added.
He praised this administration’s ongoing infrastructural improvements, particularly in road construction, which the tipper drivers said has significantly reduced vehicle maintenance costs for them.
“Your vehicles rarely go to the mechanic these days because of the good roads built by this administration. That is why we must support the government to continue his good works,” Nkwoka said.
He said that since they have agreed to formally establish a pro-Soludo support group within the tipper driver community,there is to show commitment and achieve a greater goals.
Responding on behalf of the union, President of the Tipper Drivers Association, Mr. Akaigwe Augustine, expressed readiness to collaborate with the government but lamented the persistent harassment of tipper drivers.
“Our problems are too many. One of our members was arrested at a sandpit allegedly associated with gunmen. His truck has been impounded for four months, and we have made several attempts to secure it release with no success,” Augustine said.
He criticized the tendency of security agents to punish drivers rather than hold pit owners accountable.
“Drivers go to load sand, and security agents descend on them instead of the pit owners, who often flee the scene. It is unfair and unjust,” he said.
The Chairman of the Onitsha Tipper Drivers, Mr. Ebuka Unekwe, also expressed concerns about the intimidation they face from a group known as “Ndi Aka Odo” at the Oba sandpit.
“They arrest our members arbitrarily even food vendors working near the pit are not spared,” Unekwe said.
“We supported Soludo in the last election, and we are still willing to support him,but he must show us mercy and end the daily hardship we endure from both state and non-state actors.”he lamented.
Chairman of the Tipper Drivers Board of Trustees (BoT), Comrade Ogechukwu Ndozie, highlighted systemic issues facing members, calling on Mayor Nkwoka to help the union understand the government’s position and how to address their problems effectively.
“All government agencies treat us like we are not from Anambra. Keke and bus drivers have had their levies reduced, but we still pay heavily and also on every trip,” he said.
Ndozie urged the government to ease the burden on tipper drivers, especially regarding arbitrary arrests and the detention of vehicles.
“We commend the Governor’s good work, but we are suffering. The government agencies threaten our ability to work and take care of our families.” he stated.
In a follow-up interview with Insideoutnews, Mayor Nkwoka described tipper drivers as among the most peaceful and organized transport groups in Nigeria.
“We have made efforts to reduce drug use among our members. Today, Anambra tipper drivers are more disciplined and organized than ever before,” he said.
On the issue of extortion, he clarified that the majority of these activities are being perpetrated by non-state actors.
“Those collecting illegal fees from drivers are not agents of the government. They are self-appointed extortionists,” he explained.
He stated that the governor has never authorized such actions and had even instructed mayors not to collect money from drivers.
“No mayor in Anambra collects money from tipper drivers today. The only payments are official government levies,” Nkwoka stressed.
He also addressed the issue of levies per trip, noting that if drivers wish to renegotiate them, they should formally approach the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue.
“If we want change, we need to engage through proper channels,” he added.
The partnership between the Idemili North Mayor and tipper drivers marks a significant step toward mutual collaboration between the grassroots workforce and the state government. While the support for Governor Soludo’s re-election is strong among the drivers, their message is clear: support must be met with action. Only a fair, inclusive, and harassment-free operating environment will ensure lasting loyalty and sustainable progress.
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