NEWS
“GOV. ALEX OTTI HAS ALREADY EMPOWERED KEKE RIDERS THROUGH THE ELIMINATION OF TOUTS AND ILLEGAL LEVIES, BOOSTING THEIR DAILY EARNINGS AND LIVELIHOODS” — Abia Arise Ariaria Ward 9 Convenes Emergency Meeting to Drive Massive Grassroots Mobilisation for Labour Party Nationwide E-Registration in Aba North
The Abia Arise Political Structure in Ariaria Ward 9, Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State, convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Skyview Lounge open space ground in Aba, drawing a wide cross-section of party faithfuls, stakeholders, and grassroots leaders.
The meeting, which recorded an impressive turnout despite its urgent nature, focused primarily on aligning members of the Labour Party within the ward with the ongoing nationwide E-Registration exercise, a key component of the party’s revalidation and expansion strategy.
In his opening remarks, the Coordinator of the structure, Mazi Kyrain Ogbonna Weluche, expressed appreciation to members for their swift response, noting that the emergency gathering underscored the importance of unity and timely action.
He explained that the directive for the meeting emanated from the State leadership of the structure, with the objective of ensuring that all members are fully integrated into the digital registration process currently underway across the country.
Also addressing the gathering, the Councillor representing Ariaria Ward 9, Hon. Christopher Nnabude, called on members to take ownership of the E-Registration exercise by extending the process to their workplaces, residential areas, neighbourhoods, and places of worship. He stressed that active participation reflects commitment to good governance and continued support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
A notable highlight of the meeting was the intervention by a staunch member of the structure, Mr Emmanuel Onyekwe, who spoke extensively on recent political developments within the state. He noted that although opposition elements have begun attempts to court tricycle operators in the area with promises of empowerment programmes, the reality on ground tells a different story.
He maintained that tricycle operators across the state have already experienced meaningful empowerment under the current administration, not through handouts but through systemic reforms. He explained that the removal of touts from the roads and the elimination of illegal levies previously imposed at various junctions and locations have significantly reduced the financial burden on operators.
According to him, this intervention has effectively increased their daily earnings and improved their overall livelihood.
Other speakers at the meeting, including former Chairman emeritus of Ariaria International Market, Hon. Chigozie Stephen Okeke; Secretary of the Labour Party Aba North Local Government Chapter, Hon. Wisdom Umekwu; Chairman of Abia Arise Stakeholders for Ariaria Ward 9, Hon. Chijioke Michael Amaku, popularly known as M.C. Boss; and Mr Chinedu Onu, unanimously emphasized the urgency of the E-Registration exercise. They called for immediate action, urging members to commence the process without delay while fostering unity and collective responsibility within the structure.
The meeting was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Local Government appointees, market leaders, business figures, and representatives from major commercial hubs such as Ariaria International Market, Ochendu Shoe and Bag Market, Aba North Shoe Market, and Powerline Market, among others.
The gathering reaffirmed the ward’s commitment to strengthening the Labour Party’s grassroots presence while consolidating support for ongoing reforms and governance initiatives in Abia State under Governor
Alex Chioma Otti.