CALABAR – The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has disclosed that it was not against legitimate taxes but against illegal interference and intimidation of its members.
This was disclosed by Mr Sunday Ekong, Chairman of RTEAN, Calabar Metropolis Chapel, on Monday, immediately he and other executive members were elected into office at the state Secretariat of the association in Calabar.
Ekong, who commended the members for coming out to vote in the election, said henceforth, there would be no more intimidation of RTEAN members by state and non-state actors such as tugs.
He urged the members of the association to be united adding that it was the only way to move the association forward.
“This formal election is our stepping stone; on the day of our inauguration, we will roll out our plans and the entire state, including the state government that would be represented, would know that the metropolis chapel of RTEAN has come to be.
“While I believe that there are better things ahead for us as an association, we can only achieve this feat by uniting, pulling our resources together to ensure that the union remains strong in Cross River.
Similarly, Mr Archibong Orok, Chairman of the Electoral Committee for the election said in the last few years, they have had leaders in acting capacities in the various chapel but saw the need to conduct a formal election.
Orok, who is also the Deputy Chairman of Operations of RTEAN in Cross River, called on members of the association in the state to ensure the satisfaction of their customers, adding that they should not be concerned with the union alone.
“Whether we like it or not, the masses we transport from one point to the other are our employers because they are the ones paying us and so deserve to be happy.
“For the state government and different groups such as tugs that want to prey on commercial transport operators in the state, we will ensure the protection of our members from predators.
He added that RTEAN has a forum of marshals who work hand in hand with the various security agencies to ensure that their members are not only protected but seen to be doing the right thing on the roads.
On his part, Mr Agbor Nzie Secretary of RTEAN in Cross River, warned the newly elected exco to follow the constitution of the association.
He said failure to follow the rules or indulging in any nefarious activity using the name of the association would be met with stiff penalties including arrest.