Shekarau, an ambassador of peace....RTEAN boss
By UMORU IBRAHIM
TRANSCORP sector remins the conveyor belt of a nation’s economic activities and, the successful administration of the sector often etermines th quick and realistic realization of set objectives. It is against this backdrop that those who administer transport associations and, who in collaboration with the field workers deals with fctors hindering the sectoral development have tremendous role to play in period of crises such as we currently faced in petroleum sector.
Alhaji Musa Shehu the state chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeri (RTEN) and Ntional Treasurer of the association baerd his mind during an interview with ATT & E over the weekend about the problem and prospect of the sector and how the state government has been responsive.
On fuel scarcity
FEDERAL government must try its best to live up to expectation of Nigerians, if we must get out of this complex webs of petroleum crisis.
This occasioned scarcity of a vital commodity, like petrol, will not augur well for the country’s economy. This is a disturbing situation which must be curtailed through constant monitoring.
I don’t believe that some petroleum dealers are honest enough to be allowed to operate without effective monitoring.
President Obasanjo must give the issue the seriousness it deserves. As you know, the president came in amidst fuel scarcity, so it will not augur well for his political career to leave without finally tackling the ugly situation.
I am sure, no doubt, this commodity is been diverted through the collaboration of the agents of both major and independent marketers. This must be thoroughly checked. Is it not shameful that Nigeria which is the sixth oil producing country in the world, is always faced with fuel scarcity while neighbouring countries we supply the commodity with enjoy a wonderful stability of the product?
On his plans to train members about HIV/AIDS
We have weekly meetings with our members during which we enlighten them on a number of issues including AIDS. But let me tell you that most training workshops nowadays, are motivated to make money as against the desire to train members. You know Nigerians are very smart. Thus when they talk about AIDS workshops, they have eyes on what they can make from donor agencies. At this juncture, it is important to appeal to donor agencies to evolve a stiffer criteria of releasing money to some of these people who claim to enlighten people on the dangers of AIDS.
They should device means of knowing whether the required impact of the training is been felt. In that way, they ascertain realistically, if the money they release is used for the purpose for which it is meant.
On plans by some government appointees to frustrated RTEAN operation in the state
Really, some people in government with vested interest, wanted to use their position in government to stop our members from operating in various motor parks within Kano metropolis.
Fortunately for us, the state governor is an ambassador of peace who is God - fearing. He refused to jump into conclusion that we do not deserve to operate in the state. If Nigerian leaders behave the way Shekarau does, especially regarding the special adviser on labour matters, there will be perpetual peace in the country.
We also thank the special adviser on special duty, who rightly advised the governor based on the findings of his investigation.
Our entire members are happy with the government because we are recognized by the state government to the extent we are invited to various functions of the government.
That is how it should be because there is no way the desired peace will be achieved if one association or union is preferred to another. So what Malam has done in this case really shows that he is father of all. Malam Shekarau is indeed an ambassador of peace.
We are using this opportunity to extend the government poverty eradication programme to RETEAN members through introduction of higher purchase programme as it is done in other states of the federation.
If the programme is introduced, it will enable RTEAN members to own their vehicles which they will gradually pay for. Most of our members are not on a fixed salary and this is why they are constantly disturbed about life after service. So if this facilities are introduced, they will go a long way in solving the multiple problems of the drivers.
We rightly operate in motor parks
Most people including the leaders of the transport unions and associations are misinformed about which associations actually have the right to operate in various motor parks in the country.
For example, most of the people who claim to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers are not members of the union, because if we take into consideration the decree establishing these associations, only drivers on monthly salaries from which they pay check- off dues are members of the union.
If a section of this decree should be interpreted most people parading themselves as members of national unions will have no business being there. But you know Nigeria, anything can happen. As to who should operate in various parks in the country, I must confirm that parks belong to local governments and owners of vehicles, if it is rational to argue that we, the RTEAN members stand more right to operate in motor parks by virtue of our position as owners.
On permanent site for the union
We have done much by approaching different organisations, to come to our aid. I wish, therefore to call on the state government to give a piece of land to the association to enable its build its permanent building.
On the prices of spare parts, the transporters need help to put their vehicles on the road. This, the federal government should, as a matter of state duty, help us because of our role in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
You may be surprised that, this day, it is difficult to replace an engine of our trucks. Those days you needed only N50,000 to replace an engine of a big trucks, but now you need over N700,000 for the same purpose. Although we shall continue to do our best, we believe we will be in a better position to serve our fatherland if the desired help is rendered by the federal government, just like I stated above, the much talk of self-reliance will remain illusion to be pursued without reiteration if the federal government refuses to intervene.
The federal government should also come to our aid through loans to our member from the federal government Ministry of Labour whose role in the arrangement will make it easier for the loan to be repaid.
Another factor militating against our smooth operation, are the bad roads in the country. Although we commend the federal government for the seriousness it has given to the maintenance of our roads, we still feel obliged to urge it to dualise the major roads linking the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
For example, the roads from Abuja to Onitsha through Benin and Kaduna to Lagos, need urgent dualisation to enhance movement across the country.
Mr. President should try every means possible to, at least, start the project before leaving office. It is also important whenever the state or federal government wishes to carry out major work on the road, it is important that various transport unions and associations are involved.