From Francis Akinnodi, Ore
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Leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), in Odigbo Local Government branch, have appealed to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to build a modern motor park in Ore so as to reduce traffic congestion.

General Chairman, RTEAN, Mr. Rasheed Onaolapo who made the appeal while responding to  questions by The Hope Metro on the recent mayhem involving the association,  said that there was no crisis in the association, but just a leadership change.

“Our major challenge is motor park; both RTEAN and National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) need a modern park. It will reduce traffic congestion on Ore express road as well as road accidents.

“Ore is a commercial centre of the state where vehicles from major cities in Nigeria normally have a stop over. So, if the government can build a park that can accommodate all vehicles coming into the city, it will generate revenue for the state. We appeal to our governor to take adequate steps in solving this problem.”

On the crisis rocking the association, he identified selfish act on the part of some leaders as reasons responsible for it. But he thanked God for the timely intervention.

According to him, “The union was being ruled by a chairman for eleven years. He had been in charge since the establishment of the association in February 28, 2008, in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

” Members demanded for a change in government. He was even offered a state executive slot, but he rejected all peaceful moves.

“At the federal level, we were asked to go for election which I eventually won. And as I speak now, peace has returned to the park. We are united, more committed and determined for progress.

“The new RTEAN executives in Odigbo LG have the backing and support of the majority in the state and the federal leaders.

“RTEAN is known for its peaceful coexistence and maturity. All our activities in the association are backed by the constitution.”

He urged the NURTW to emulate the RTEAN in the area of administration, saying the only way out of crisis is for the government not to interfere in the affairs of the union.

“We should be our brothers’ keepers and respect ourselves. NURTW should always follow their constitution to avoid fight and  violence during the change of leadership and government.

” In RTEAN, we always enjoy government supports. But government cannot decide who to rule us because our constitution does not permit that.

“We have a tenure of five years in RTEAN, while NURTW is four years. And if a leader performs well, the union may ask him to continue  vice-versa. Government does not decide for us. So,  NURTW should learn from that to avoid crisis.

“As drivers, we should be of good character; be disciplined and have the fear of God,” he concluded.