Stop Extorting Money From Minibus Drivers, Commissioner Warns Cross River RTEAN

The Cross River State government has warned the leadership of the state branch of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), to desist forthwith from extorting money from minibus drivers on the guise of ‘welfare dues’ or be ready to contend with the wrath of the law.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpeyong Cobham, issued the warning in Calabar, the State capital, on Friday, during a stakeholders meeting of the transportation sector.

Reading a position paper of the state government during the meeting with the stakeholders, Cobham said: “Sequel to our meeting held on November 3, 2023 at my instance to address pertinent issues in the transportation sub-sector, the following topics made the agenda of the day which include, ticketing, road signage, proliferation of associations and others.

“The most combustive issue which seems to constipate the system most is the issue of drivers’ welfare, ticketing and other related matters.”

While warning RTEAN on the consequences that are likely to be associated with extorting money from minibus drivers, the Commissioner said that Sections (F) and (G) of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria constitution is succinct, clear and at variance with ongoing activities of the union’s leadership.

He said that upon perusal of the constitution and memoranda sent to him by RTEAN leaders, he and his team discovered that RTEAN has gone contrary to some provisions of its own constitution.

Cobhams, who frowned at the activities of the association, declared: “On this note, the issue of affiliation of some associations to RTEAN is presumptuous, baseless and unsustainable by the provision of their constitution.”

The Commissioner stated that the state governent will resist any attempt by individuals or group with intention to truncate peace in the state, adding that the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration was poised to restore peace and stability in the transportation sector.