MOT vs NURTW: Ibokessien, Enoidem sue for peace, calm
Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Akwa Ibom State have been charged to toe the path of peace and support government’s programmes in the transport sector.
The State patron of the union, Sen Emmanuel Ibokessien who gave the charge while addressing some officers of the union in the state assured them of Government’s intervention towards amicable resolution of their differences in the union.
Sen. Ibokessien further stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel is a peace-loving governor who will surely listen to whatever their grievances and also resolve them in the interest of peace in the state.
Also, Speaking the National Coordinator of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem who described transport sector as a very critical sector of the state economy noted that no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony while calling members of the union to use dialogue with government so as to resolve the issues.
He further assured that governor Udom Emmanuel will facilitate the peaceful resolution of the crisis and urged them to remain calm.
Recalled that Stakeholders of NURTW in the state had recently frowned at what they described as an attempt by the state Ministry of Transportation to usurp their function in the transport sector.
In their separate statements, the state chairman, Obong Uwem Imo Inyang and the National Officer of the union Comrade Uwem James demanded that the Ministry of Transport should withdraw its recognition from all groups and associations not statutorily registered under Trade Unions Laws of Nigeria and further stop collecting Check off dues from their members or government revenue.
The union stated that the ministry should allow members of NURTW to perform their functions of organizing all workers in the sector and also have the right to collect the approved check-off dues as obtained in other states in the country.
They urged the Transport Ministry to stop introducing new revenue sub heads and multiple taxation on road transport operators and vehicle owners who are already over burden with high cost of vehicles, spare parts, maintenance and fueling.
While adding that the union should be allowed to carry out their statutory responsibility of operating in local government owned motor parks, the chairman insisted that they are comfortable working with local government councils to operate the motor parks while still supporting the state government in generating revenue from the sector.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, His Royal Majesty Edidem Sylvanus E. Okon had reiterated the need to intervene by liaising with the union and allow them perform their functions.
The monarch also called for calm and the need to dialogue to resolve the matter amicably describing the union as a group of very hardworking and law-abiding Nigerians who contribute enormously to the economy of the country.
In his vote of thanks, the State Chairman of the union, Mr Uwem Imo Inyang, thanked Senator Ibokessien, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem for their intervention and pleaded with other members of the body to remain calm and law-abiding.
He said, the union will continue to toe the path of peace and support Governor Emmanuel’s completion agenda
The meeting was also attended by the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, His Royal Majesty Okuku Okon Udo Ukut among other members of the union across the state.
