By Chuks Eke
Anambra state government has cautioned commercial bus drivers in the state against disrespect to the rule of law and regulations guiding the transport sector in the state.
Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzor who handed down the caution while inaugurating the newly consolidated 20-man executive committee of Anambra State Drivers Welfare Association, ASDWA, said in line with the policy direction of the state government, the transport sector must increasingly embrace proper identification, registration, digitalization, accountability and effective regulation.
He however noted that every genuine commercial driver in the state deserves to operate in an environment free from harassment, multiple taxation and unnecessary intimidation.
Expressing the state government’s determination to
bring all drivers associations in the state under one umbrella and coordinated platform that would promote their welfare while strengthening government supervision, accountability and service delivery, Ibuzor expressed concern that for too long, the commercial transport sector in the state has been characterised by multiple associations, conflicting interests and, in some cases, leadership disputes that make effective coordination difficult.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for approving the inauguration of the association, having dissolved all transport unions in the state at the inception of his administration, insisting that government’s interest and objective in inaugurating the association is unity, not division; service, not exploitation; and organisation, not disorderliness.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that this Association is being inaugurated under the supervision of the Anambra State Ministry of Transport to provide an effective channel of communication between Government and genuine commercial bus drivers across the State, Ibuzor stated, adding, the leadership being inaugurated today must remember that this is a call to service and responsibility, not an opportunity for personal aggrandizement or intimidation of drivers”.
“You must protect the welfare of your members, support road safety, discourage touting and illegal levies, maintain discipline at our parks and loading points, cooperate with Government agencies, and ensure that commercial drivers contribute positively to the orderly movement of people and goods throughout the state”.
“To Hon. Moses Ohanebo, state Chairman of the association and the other officers being inaugurated today, I charge you to lead with fairness, transparency and inclusiveness. You are not leaders of a faction; you are being entrusted with the responsibility of bringing commercial bus drivers together and ensuring that every legitimate driver has a sense of belonging”.
“The Ministry will work with you, but we will also hold you accountable. Your success will be measured by the level of unity among drivers, reduction in disputes and illegal activities with improved discipline in our parks”.
Some of the newly inaugurated executive members of the association included Hon. Moses Ohanebo, Chairman; Pastor John Ogbonna, Personal Assistant, PA to the Chairman; Obinna Anisiobi, Deputy Chairman (Administration); Francis Osondu, 1st Deputy Chairman (Operation); Felix Asimonye, 2nd Deputy Chairman (Operations); Azuka Nwabueze, 3rd Deputy Chairman (Logistics); Ifeanyi Madukwe, General Secretary; Innocent Okolie, Assistant Secretary; Aloy Onuh, Financial Secretary; Chinedu Molokwu, Treasurer; Hon. Kingsley Adiele, PRO 1; Oligbo Chukwu, PRO 2, among others.
Past Chairmen of the association, Sir Nnamdi Okafor, Chief Paul Ejiofor (Last Born) and Chief Emmanuel Ukatu who in their brief remarks, thanked God for brokering peace within the association, commended the state government for reinstating the association and pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to both the state government and the incumbent Ohanebo-led executive.
In their acceptance speeches, Hon. Ohanebo, Chairman of the association and Hon. Kingsley Adiele PRO 1 assured both the state government and all the ASDWA members of the determination’s determination to move the association to a greater height.
Specifically, Ohanebo who disclosed that the association which has over 40 branches across the state, listed one of it’s priority areas as flushing out of touts and criminals from the motor parks, adding that henceforth passengers boarding commercial vehicles in any part of the state should be rest assured of quality transportation services and safety of their goods and luggages.
