From Francis Akinnodi, Ore
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The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Odigbo Local Government branch has appealed to Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to build a modern motor park in Ore to reduce traffic congestion.
Chairman, of the union, Mr. Rasheed Onaolapo while answering questions on the recent mayhem involving the association said that there is 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 accident.
“Ore is a commercial center 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 lamented the selfish act of some leaders as reason responsible for it but thanked God for timely intervention.
According to him, “The union was being ruled by a chairman for eleven years; he has been in charge since the establishment of the association in February 28, 2008 in Odigbo local government and 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 have the backing and support of the majority, state and 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 that the only way out of crisis is for government not to interfere in the affairs of the union.
“We should be our brothers keeper and respect ourselves. NURTW should always follow the constitution to afford fight, crisis during change of leadership. In RTEAN, we always enjoy government supports but government cannot decide who to rule us because our constitution did not permit that.
“We have a tenure of five years in RTEAN while NURTW is four years. If a leader performs well, the union may ask him to continue, vice verse. Government does not decide for us so NURTW should learn from that to avoid crisis.
