Elechi’s fraudulent project

Ebonyi state government recently made public its plan to introduce air-conditioned taxis for transportation in the streets of Abakiliki capital territory. Bragging, for the umpteenth time, that residents of the city would, soon, cruise in the air-conditioned taxis, the government hinted that arrangements had been concluded to bring the program to realization by the end of this February.

Chief Martin Elechi, the state governor, through his works and transport commissioner, Dr. Paul Okorie, highlighted that his government is collaborating with private investors to execute this project, which is anticipated to drive commercial motorcyclists (okada operators) out of the state capital before the end of this February.

According to Elechi’s government, with the introduction of the taxis in the state, the issue of motorcycle operators and the dangers associated with the operation such as robbery and frequent accidents would sort themselves out naturally.
The government added that the taxi business would be private-driven, as the government would not be directly involved in procuring the vehicles for people. And Governor Elechi is of the opinion that the policy would add to the improvement of the living standard of the people.

KlinReports thinks that, although this air-conditioned taxi cab project is not a bad one, it is particularly outlandish in the case of Ebonyi state. Unless senility has set in, the 70 year old Governor Elechi ought to know that this project is a misplaced priority.

It is either the septuagenarian governor knows this much, or that he is being hoodwinked by some smart business guys lurking around to squander the common wealth of Ebonyi people hiding under such a phony project. It could still be an avenue through which the Elechis have chosen to further plunder the salt state of Ebonyi, especially, for fear of being easily found out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

There are obvious points to make here: Most of the roads in Abakiliki metropolis are impassable. Sophisticated agriculture is crying for government’s attention. There is no pipe-borne water for the people, neither do they enjoy regular supply of electricity, nor do they live in decent houses just to mention but a few.
Why, then, does Governor Elechi think that procurement of air-conditioned cars should be the priority of his government- at a time when 60 percent of indigenes of the state cannot afford two square meals a day? At a time when, due to lack of adequate medical facilities, the people of the state are dying of guinea worm diseases?

One of the arguments for the project is that it would help reduce accidents and robbery incidents. Haba! Who says air-conditioned cars cannot be involved in accidents? If the motorcycles are being used for robberies, hasn’t Governor Elechi seen where air-conditioned jeeps were used to rob and kill?
Enough of this deceit! Elechi should tell the actual story of the so-called air-conditioned cabs; for KlinReports is of the opinion that this is a smokescreen for squandering the funds of the state.