Transport Unions seek relocation of Air Transport to relevant ministry

Transport Unions operating Akwa State have condemned in strong terms the recent media report by some faceless groups and individuals against the person of the state Commissioner for Transport Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh which are published in some state based local tabloids. 

In their separate reactions, the Union leaders including Nigerians Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO; Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN; keke Owners/Riders Association, KORA; Food Stuff Dealers and Transport Association; Tippers Business Association, amongst others said frowned over the unnecessary said to been carried out by some faceless individuals who named themselves Akwa Ibom State Private Carb/Taxi Operation last week Wednesday to actualize their self seeking tendencies.

According to reports, the faceless and mercenary individuals was said to have protest, alleging the Transport Commissioner and the Akwa Ibom State Government to have given directive to increase the MOT number renewal to N24,000, as well as unwarranted multiple ticketing levy on them. 

The Leaders of the Unions while speaking to this reporter noted that there is no such Union or Group in existence in any part of the state, challenging them to unmarked themselves to the public if the really exist. They added that the Akwa Ibom State Government or the State Commissioner for Transport has in anyway increased the MOT as alleged by the group.

They equally stated that there no multiple taxation levy in the taxis and buses operators in the state, explaining that daily ticket for Taxi and Bus operator was reduced to N300 and as well harmonized by the Transport Ministry to be affordable and for easy operation in the state.

They wondered why some disgruntled elements would wake up in the morning and go on the street in the name of protesting just to tarnished the hard earned image of the state government and that of the Commissioner, Prince Ntukudeh, describing such protest and media reports as false and basely as it holds no water.

The warned some selfish individual who are embarking and sponsoring such act to desist from it but to embrace peace in other to settle their grievances instead of threatened the peace existing among Transporters operating in the state.

 While affirming their loyalty to the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel, and as well reassuring him of their support till the end of his second term, the Unions appealed to the Gov. Udom Emmanuel to assign the overseeing of the Aviation Transport in the state to it suitable and relevant ministry which is the Ministry of Transport as to ensure it proper and effective management. According to them, in any part of the federation, the Air Transport management are always assigned to Ministry of Transport not other irrelevant ministries, adding that Akwa Ibom State should not be exception.

They used the opportunity to appreciate the State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh for his sense of commitment, probity, hardwork and humility in his leadership strategist especially in taking the transport sector of the state to a greater height. 

In the related development, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Road Levis Implementation Scheme, Prince Victor Eddie while reacting during a telephone chat with this reporter advised transporters in the state to toe the dakkada philosophy of the present administration by rising above blackmails, jealousy, pull-down-syndrome and character assassination. 

While wondering how some people whom according have benefited immensely from the state government and the Commissioner can indulged in such unwholesome attitude, he called on the general public to discountenance such media report, as the commissioner has never gave such directive or interfere transporters affairs . 

According to him, Dr. Ntukudeh is a man who has the interest of transporters at heart and has ever ready work and be committed to the welfare of transporters in the state. He therefore urged the Commissioner not to relent in his effort in repositioning the Transport Ministry in the state.