Abia State Government says it has no intention of taking over the jobs or income of transport unions in the state after commercial buses were moved to the Nnenna Otti Central Bus Terminal. The clarification follows concerns from some transport operators who fear that enforcing operations at the new terminal could shift their daily work and earnings to the state government.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday after a meeting of the state Executive Council, Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, rejected the speculation. Kanu said the state has not seized the jobs and revenue streams of transport operators and their unions. He added that many unions across Abia are backing the ongoing relocation to the new bus terminal, while efforts are underway to address the worries raised by certain transporters.
Kanu noted that fears being expressed by some operators in about 29 motor parks in Umuahia are being handled. “We are meeting the transport operators and a few of their anxieties will be addressed soon,” the commissioner said.
Chimezie Ukaegbu, Abia’s Commissioner for Transport, also dismissed claims that the government is assuming control of union jobs and members. Ukaegbu said the state has introduced an organised transportation framework meant to replace touting and reduce congestion.
On security, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, said the state is seeing an increase in unregulated tricycle operators arriving from neighbouring states. Ekeoma warned that this inflow could create security risks and said the government is strengthening its security setup to ensure the activities of the operators are closely monitored.
