Commercial Bus Drivers Commend Soludo on Road Construction as Anambra Harmonises Associations

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Government has moved to end factionalism and leadership disputes among commercial bus drivers in the state with the inauguration of a consolidated drivers’ association.

This is as the new Anambra State Drivers Welfare Association, headed by Mr. Moses Ohanebo, was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Ministry of Transport, Awka, with the government charging its leadership to restore unity, discipline and accountability in the transport sector.

Inaugurating the association, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edwin Ibuzo, said the initiative was designed to bring the various interests in the commercial transport sector under one coordinated structure and end divisions that had hampered effective administration of the sector.

Ibuzo charged the new leadership to build an association based on service, fairness and accountability, warning against intimidation, self-aggrandisement and exploitation of commercial drivers.

He said the new arrangement was intended to promote “unity rather than division, service rather than exploitation, and organisation rather than disorder.”

The commissioner said the association would operate under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and serve as a recognised channel of communication between the government and genuine commercial bus drivers across the state.

He urged the leadership to prioritise the welfare of its members, support road safety initiatives, discourage touting and illegal levies, maintain discipline at motor parks and loading points, and cooperate with relevant government agencies.

Ibuzo also directed the association to promote proper identification and registration of drivers, digitalisation, transparency and accountability as part of the state government’s efforts to modernise and regulate the transport sector.

He, however, stressed that while genuine commercial drivers deserved protection from harassment, multiple taxation and unnecessary intimidation, they must also comply with the laws and regulations governing transportation in the state.

Addressing Ohanebo and other newly inaugurated officers, the commissioner said they were expected to lead the entire body of commercial drivers rather than any faction.

“You are not leaders of a faction; you are being entrusted with the responsibility of bringing commercial bus drivers together and ensuring that every legitimate driver has a sense of belonging,” he said.

Ibuzo assured the association of the ministry’s cooperation but warned that its leadership would be held accountable for its performance.

He said its success would be measured by improved unity among drivers, a reduction in disputes and illegal activities, better discipline at motor parks and improved welfare for members.

The commissioner added: “I will not betray anyone, but nobody can betray me.”

Responding, Ohanebo commended Ibuzo for bringing the various interests in the transport sector under one umbrella, describing the development as a major step towards restoring unity among commercial drivers in the state.

He said the various groups had already commenced the process of harmonisation, adding that the new leadership had begun reaching out to individuals and groups who had been aggrieved in the past.

“We have united them. We have already harmonised ourselves. Sometimes, when something happens, it teaches a lesson. What happened to us has taught us a lesson, and by God’s grace, it will not happen again,” Ohanebo said.

He appealed to God to give him the wisdom and strength to sustain the unity being built within the association, saying his administration would carry all legitimate interests along.

“I am assuring you that there will be no factionalism in the Anambra State transport sector. We are one, united by a common goal,” he said.

Ohanebo also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as his administration’s achievements in road construction.

According to him, the improved road network had reduced the frequency with which commercial drivers took their vehicles to mechanics for repairs.

He expressed optimism that the new association would usher in greater peace, discipline and improved welfare for commercial drivers across Anambra State.