Urban Drivers laud Obiano for banning RTEAN, warn RTEAN to stay clear

Urban Drivers Welfare Association Anambra State(UDWAAS) has lauded the government of Anambra State for reiterating the ban on the activities of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the State warning the group to stay clear of Anambra motor parks and roads.
The President of UDWAAS, Prince Moses Ohanebo gave the warning during a press conference yesterday at the association’s State head office,Onitsha.

Ohanebo alleged that RTEAN has threatened to storm Anambra State motor parks and roads in order to forcefully seize control of commercial transportation leadership cum revenue collection starting from Monday, June 1, 2020.

“We thank Governor Willie Obiano, Akpokuodike global for his timely intervention via a recent Public Service announcement(PSA) on threat to security and peace of Anambra State through the Secretary to Anambra State government(SSG), Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, reiterating the ban on activities of RTEAN since February 24, 2016.
“We, UDWAAS as an authorized and recognized association to handle transport activities in Anambra has been working peacefully with the State government. 

“RTEAN has threatened to come out on Monday June 1, 2020 to forcefully highjack the transportation leadership and activities in Anambra State led by one Kingsley Mmaduagwuna a.k.a Baron but all necessary authorities like the State government, Commissioner of Police, Department of State Security Services (DSS) have been notified.
“They are trying to come out and start collecting tolls and selling tickets even when they are not authorized but we are going to resist them. We urge them to heed the PSA and rescind from the proposed mayhem”, said Ohanebo.
Moreover, it would be recalled that in a PSA dated Thursday, May 28, 2020 the SSG annouced that the attention of Anambra State government have been drawn to plans by some persons masquerading under the umbrella of RTEAN to unleash terror in the State by a forcefull takeover of Transport activities in the State by 1st of June,2020 adding that the clash with existing Transportation structures would have adverse implication on the security existing in the State.

Prof Chukwulobelu stated that security agencies had been directed to take urgent measures to stop the planned mayhem by the unauthorizedRTEAN.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of RTEAN, Celestine Aneri when contacted by our reporter refuted the allegation concerning the porported forceful hijack and disassociated himself and RTEAN from the activities of Baron.

According to Aneri” RTEAN did not issue such a threat. RTEAN is a duely registered trade union recognized by the Nigerian Constitution and cannot be banned by a State Governor. We are law abiding and have the interest of the poor masses and drivers at heart. RTEAN is yet to understand the reasons given for the ban. The Baron who UDWAAS said issued a threat is not a recognised executive of RTEAN Anambra chapter”.