Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has lifted the proscription placed on the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW).
Recall that the Governor had proscribed the union owing to its flagrant disregard to governments directives to harmonize the transport activities in the state adopt e- payment system for collection of revenues to avoid double taxation thereby rejecting the authority of the state government.
The NURTW leadership in Abia headed by Comrade Eugine Eze Job was also accused of printing paper tickets with which it collects money illegally from motorists in deliberate disobedience to government directives.
Addressing a delegation of the NURTW led by the National President, Comrade Ibukunle Baruwa at Government House Umuahia, Government Ikpeazu said he has accepted their apology adding that they should be partners in progress.
Ikpeazu described the transport union as a very important sector and main stay of Abia economy, noting that the union has contributed greatly in Trade and Commerce which the state is known for.
He said that his administration has enjoyed a good working relationship with the union and all motor Unions in Abia state adding that his government will continue to support the transport sector.
The Governor expressed belief that the caretaker Committee set by the National leadership of the union will reciprocate governments gesture and ensure that nomalcy is restored to the state branch.
“We try to compliment the efforts of the union here in providing services and welfare for road transport workers by investing a lot of money in road infrastructure and urban renewal.
“We also spend alot of money in trying to maintain security, law and order. We are working in synergy with the motor Unions to ensure Security of lives and properties in the state.
“Abia is perhaps one of the few states that rolled out ambulances on the high way to assist road traffic accidents victims.
“Our government is working to compliment efforts of the local union to ensure that motorists plying the road do so in safety”, Ikpeazu said.
Governor Ikpeazu commended the National leadership of the union for setting up a responsible leadership with the local branch to work in tandem with the state government to support governments plans and polices.
Earlier in his address, the National President of the NURTW, Comrade Ibukunle Baruwa thanked the state government for lifting the ban on the state chapter of the union.
While noting that the Union is law abiding,Baruwa said they will not tolerate a situation where any of its chapters shows any form of disloyalty to any Government.
He informed that a Caretaker Committee headed by Micheal Achilefu has been set up to manage the affairs of the Union on a temporary basis pending when another substantive State Executive Council will be put in place.
Baruwa advised members of the union to be law abiding and assured that the union will continue to obey governments directives.
