Following the reform in the Imo City Transport System, the drivers under the aegis of Imo State Amalgamated Drivers Association has been urged to support government policies and directives to make the commercial transport business better.
This call was made by the president of the association, Elder Anaelechi Ukanwune aka Obowo during a meeting of the association held in Owerri. He disclosed that the drivers should align with the Imo state government on painting their commercial vehicles which is mandatory for every commercial driver in the state. He advised the drivers to report cases of defaulters to the appropriate quarters for further sanctions and fine. He disclosed that some drivers are being stubborn in that regard thereby hiding under the student shuttle bus to register their vehicles, adding that it was misleading and has heavy consequences.
He noted that it has been discovered that some persons have been attending meetings that are against the rules of the association thereby aligning themselves with past administrations to undermine the progress of the present government. He maintained that such attitude is detrimental to the growth and development of commercial transport system.
He also urged the drivers to maintain their routes as stated in the biometric capture and verification as he emphasized that such action of veering off approved routes will warrant arrest from the security operatives.
Obowo further urged the drivers to desist from over-speeding and continue to obtain their daily purchase of ticket, saying that the process will also generate revenue for the state government. He equally expressed thanks to the governor for not mounting pressure and the use of intimidation to follow the drivers, stressing that it is a sign of a good working relationship with the government.
He promised on behalf of the association to support the government of the day.
Obowo also thanked the chairman of NURTW, Hon. Chief Samuel Ude for carrying the members of Amalgamated Drivers Association along in his administration as the chairman National union while urging drivers to carry their membership I D cards along.
Speaking to newsmen, the unit head in charge of loading and off loading Engr. Nwosu Onyekachi reminded the drivers on the need to load and offload in the parks which will reduce the blockage of the roads and allow for ease flow of traffic. He urged them not to forget the necessary things needed before they commence work which include buying of tickets, emblem and ensure they have waste bin baskets in their vehicles for their passengers’ use and for a cleaner environment.
The chairman of Timber and Allied Drivers Welfare Association (TADWA0, Chief Gregory Udogwu stated that the Imo commercial drivers have good intention and thanked the governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma for transforming the transport system. He however expressed displeasure over the activities of touts who intimidate and extort drivers, this he said impedes on their business.
He also cautioned drivers to respect the government and have regard for human lives as he noted that no lives need to be loss whether human and animals. The president of the association also seized the opportunity to inaugurate the new executive of MCC route.
The chairman of MCC route, Mr. Chijioke Felix in his response thanked the governor for commencing the rehabilitation of the MCC road for the past 3 years and urged the contractors to fasten the construction before the rains commence.
The association also seized the opportunity to suspend its vice president, Mrs. Vivian Chikezie who doubles as the chairman of Female Drivers Association together with the secretary, Chidinma Angela for playing anti-government and attending meeting of the past administration without prior permission from the association which goes against the rule of the association.
