The Member representing Umuahia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, has raised fresh concerns over the growing shift in control of the bike transportation sector across communities in Ohuh.
According to him, the dominance of non-indigenous operators, particularly riders of northern extraction, is gradually reshaping the local transport landscape and threatening the economic relevance of indigenous riders.
In a statement issued from his office, Akaliro noted that the development did not occur by accident, but was a direct result of significant disparities in transportation fares.
He explained that while external riders, especially the Hausa community, offer considerably lower charges, indigenous bike operators continue to maintain high pricing that many residents find burdensome.
“This shift has not occurred by chance. It is tied directly to the widening gap in transportation fares between our indigenous Ohuhu bike operators and external riders,” Akaliro said.
“The Hausa riders charge far lower, making their services more attractive to our people, while some of our local operators continue to impose excessively high rates that put financial pressure on residents. This has caused our operators to lose relevance and patronage.”
The lawmaker emphasized that the situation goes beyond economics and touches on community safety and accountability. He warned that increased dependence on non-indigenous riders, especially at night, raises concerns that must be addressed proactively.
“Transportation is not just a business. It is a sensitive lifeline of our local economy and a crucial part of our daily security structure,” he stated. “When our people increasingly rely on persons who may not be fully integrated into the community, accountability becomes weaker, especially for those who move around late at night. This is a concern we cannot ignore.”
Akaliro appealed to indigenous riders to reflect deeply on the long-term impact of their pricing strategies. He urged them to reposition themselves through fair and competitive charges, stressing that doing so would help restore balance to the system and protect the livelihoods of Ohuhu sons and daughters.
“I am calling on all Ohuhu bike operators to act responsibly. Let us bring back fairness in pricing so that our people are not forced to choose external options out of financial pressure. The goal is not to create division but to secure our economy and ensure sustainable growth for our indigenous riders,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare and unity of the constituency, Akaliro explained that his intervention was driven purely by concern for the collective interest of Ohuhu communities. He assured constituents that he would continue to provide leadership and advocacy that promotes safety, equity, and economic stability.
“As your representative, out of genuine concern for our unity, safety, and economic stability, we can correct this imbalance and build a transportation system that serves everyone fairly and sustainably,” he added.
Constituents have welcomed the lawmaker’s call for reform, with many hoping that indigenous operators would adopt more competitive pricing to restore their presence in the local transport sector.
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