By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has vowed to reform the transportation sector and tackle all forms of thuggery around motor parks.
President of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, stated this shortly after presenting certificates of attendance to 17 members of the association, on Friday in Abuja.
The 17 members completed a strategic leadership, ethics and policy-making training at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), at Kuru, near Jos in Plateau state.
The RTEAN president was also presented with the Nigeria Silent Heroes Award (NSHA).
He said that the constitution of the association frowns against any kind of thuggery and hooliganism.
Maitakobi said the leadership training acquired by its members will change the perception some Nigerians have about road transport workers.
“I want to use this medium to thank NIPSS. This is good for those of us who are educated. Initially, the public see us as touts and hooligans.
“But when you go through our constitution, we have the mandate to eradicate touting and hooliganism in motor parks. This also shows that our members are educated because you can’t approach NIPSS if you are not educated.
“Interestingly, we have started seeing the impact of this leadership training. The people who attended NIPSS will take it back to their state chapters and also train others.”
He said that members of RTEAN are not used to causing trouble, saying “you can’t compare us to other unions.
“If we are aggrieved, we usually channel our complaints to security agencies because we don’t believe in violence. Take the example what happened in Lagos on Monday where we held a rally and it was peaceful.”
He urged members of the association against unethical conducts and to be law abiding
“I want to tell our members that anywhere you find yourselves, please be a law-abiding citizens. Don’t put yourself into a position that will cause problem.
“You should not allow anyone to use you. I know that going to do a rally or protest is your right but don’t destroy any properties or fight with security agencies.”
Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman and Vice President, North West, RTEAN, Adamu Jalaludeen, who also took part in the leadership training, said the association was taking its rightful position among labour unions.
“In the past, there has never been a leader who has done this. Our president decided to chose from the rank and file to go for the leadership course.
“He sent us not because we are the best but because he has the interest of the association at heart. This means RTEAN is taking its rightful position in the scheme of things.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
