Obi hails Soludo’s transport sector harmonisation, urges Prof Odinkalu to look beyond legalism

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Anambra-based activist, Comrade Osita Obi, has thrown his weight behind the Anambra State Government’s ongoing transport sector reforms, describing the harmonisation of transport unions as a bold initiative that will restore order, improve security and promote the welfare of commercial transport operators across the state.

Obi, who reacted to the recent controversy generated by the state’s directive dissolving existing transport unions and the subsequent legal concerns raised by human rights lawyer, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, urged stakeholders to look beyond legal technicalities and focus on the practical benefits of the reforms.

Speaking in an interview, Obi said the intention of the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Edward Ibuzo, was not to destroy unionism but to harmonise the various transport associations into a structure capable of serving both operators and government more effectively.

“I believe the commissioner is right in trying to reorganise the transport sector. The objective is to harmonise the unions for peace, security and efficient administration, not to deny anyone the right to belong to a union,” he said.

According to him, the proliferation of multiple transport unions had weakened accountability and encouraged a situation where welfare contributions collected from commercial drivers and riders benefited only a handful of professional union leaders rather than the operators who paid the levies.

He said that the Ministry of Transport had challenged union leaders to explain how welfare funds were being utilised, including whether members received financial assistance to repair accident-damaged vehicles, replace damaged parts or obtain support during illness.

“The welfare belongs to the operators, not to “professional unionists”. Drivers and riders who contribute the money should be the primary beneficiaries,” Obi stated.

He argued that a harmonised union would be better positioned to establish welfare schemes, including soft loans for commercial drivers and tricycle operators facing financial difficulties after vehicle breakdowns or accidents.

Obi also maintained that centralising the unions would improve communication between government and transport operators, strengthen regulatory oversight and reduce rivalry among competing factions.

Describing the initiative as “a laudable innovation,” he said it would ultimately benefit government, union leaders and transport operators alike.

He, however, acknowledged that Professor Odinkalu’s constitutional concerns were valid from a legal standpoint but argued that they should not overshadow the practical realities confronting the state.

“With due respect to Professor Odinkalu, the legal issues he raised are important, but he should also appreciate the substance of what the government is trying to achieve. Those of us living in the state know what the transport sector had become before now,” he said.

According to Obi, previous administrations had struggled to address violent rivalries and alleged abuses associated with some transport unions, insisting that no responsible government would ignore activities capable of threatening public safety.

He argued that the reforms would enhance security by providing government with a single platform through which information could easily be communicated to transport operators while also reducing traffic obstruction and improving discipline on the roads.

Responding to the debate over the legality of the government’s directive, Obi distinguished between banning transport unions and prohibiting certain activities carried out by union members.

He argued that while the state government could not legally abolish trade unionism, it possessed the authority to prohibit activities considered harmful to public order and security.

“The government did not ban unionism. What it prohibited were activities on public roads which it considered inimical to the security and economic well-being of the state. Union members can still operate from their offices instead of conducting revenue collection and other activities on the highways,” he said.

Obi maintained that where government reasonably concludes that certain activities threaten public safety, it has a responsibility to intervene in the interest of the wider public.

He therefore appealed to transport operators and leaders of the various unions to embrace the harmonisation process rather than resist it.

He also advised the Ministry of Transport to appoint a senior ministry official as interim coordinator for six months to oversee the harmonisation process and conduct credible elections if the rival factions fail to agree on a common leadership.

“The interest of a stronger and harmonised union should be greater than individual ambition. Everyone should be accommodated, but the operators themselves must take centre stage,” he said.

Obi further called for transparency in the management of union funds, insisting that substantial portions of welfare contributions should be reserved to assist genuine operators facing financial hardship instead of enriching a few individuals.

“Government cannot allow one person to control enormous resources without accountability. Government should know what comes into the system so that transport operators also benefit from what they contribute,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the harmonisation process could be completed within one month if all parties cooperated, saying the reforms would ultimately entrench peace, orderliness, improved welfare and enhanced security across Anambra State’s transport sector.