Obi Backs Soludo’s Transport Reforms, Says Govt.Banned Harmful Activities, Not Unions

Comrade Osita Obi

Human rights activist and Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi, has commended the Anambra State Government, particularly the Commissioner for Transport Hon Edwards Ibuzo for its efforts to harmonize the various transport unions operating in the state.
Reacting to comments by constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who argued that the government has no constitutional power to proscribe a union, Obi maintained that the Anambra State Government did not ban any union but only prohibited activities considered harmful to public peace and security.
“Prof. Chidi Odinkalu is correct in his legal position, but every government has a responsibility to protect the state and its citizens,” Obi said.
According to him, while a state government may not have the authority to outlaw a union, it has the power to prohibit any of its activities that are inimical to public security, peace, and the well-being of residents.
“If the activities of any union pose a threat to public peace and security, the governor has the constitutional responsibility to ban those activities, not the union itself,” he explained.
Obi stated that upon assuming office, the present administration discovered that the activities of transport unions had become a serious threat to public order and security, prompting the government to prohibit such activities.
“The governor observed that the activities of some union members were detrimental to the state’s peace and development. What was banned were their activities, not their existence as unions,” he said.
He added that Governor Charles Soludo had made it clear that unions are free to operate within the law by conducting their affairs from their offices, collecting dues and levies from members in an organized manner, rather than operating on public roads and disturbing public peace.
“The government considers it unacceptable for unions to occupy roads, create confusion, threaten security, and disrupt public peace,” he said.
According to Obi, Governor Soludo did not proscribe unionism but merely prohibited activities carried out on public roads that posed security and economic risks.
“The governor has no power to ban unionism. What he did was stop activities that had become harmful to the state’s security and economy,” he added.
Obi further defended the ongoing efforts of the Commissioner for Transport to harmonize the various bus, tricycle (Keke), and motorcycle unions, describing the initiative as necessary to address the security challenges and operational disorder within the transport sector.
He explained that the commissioner’s objective is to bring the different unions together under a coordinated structure that will promote peace, improve security, and ensure more effective administration of the transport sector.
“At the moment, there are too many unions operating independently. Their primary objective should be the welfare of their members. Instead, money collected from operators often ends up in the pockets of a few individuals who are not even active operators. That has created serious problems,” he said.
According to Obi, the commissioner recently met with representatives of the various unions and questioned how they utilize welfare funds contributed by members.
“He asked them how many operators had benefited from the welfare scheme by receiving assistance to repair broken-down vehicles, recover from accidents, or pay medical bills when they became ill. Those are the real purposes of a welfare scheme,” he stated.
Obi stressed that the essence of any union is to protect and support its members, not to enrich a handful of professional union leaders.
“The welfare fund should not exist solely for professional unionists. It should primarily benefit the drivers themselves—whether they are bus drivers, tricycle operators, or motorcycle riders.
“Those who manage the unions deserve to earn a living, but they should not consume all the funds while those contributing receive no benefits. A substantial portion of the money should be saved to assist genuine operators during emergencies. That is exactly what the commissioner is advocating, and it cannot be effectively achieved under multiple competing factions.”he said.
He said the harmonization initiative is intended to enable the unions to operate seamlessly in the interest of both the state and their members.
Obi urged the various unions to set aside their differences, relinquish their separate identities where necessary, and adopt a unified structure under a common name for more effective operations.
He described the commissioner’s initiative as a commendable innovation that would significantly improve the transport sector.
“I believe the commissioner deserves commendation for this laudable initiative. It is a remarkable step that will benefit the unions, transport operators, drivers, and the state government.
“We should not become distracted by the use of words such as ‘proscription’ or ‘ban.’ Technically, those terms have different legal meanings from what the commissioner actually intends.
“With due respect to Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the legal point he raised is valid. However, that should not diminish the substance of what the commissioner is trying to achieve in repositioning the transport sector in Anambra State.” Obi said.
He noted that those living in the state understand the long-standing problems within the transport unions and the urgent need for reform.
“Before the present administration, the activities of many transport unions were chaotic and contributed little to the development of the sector. No responsible government would allow such a situation to continue.”he said.
He recalled that in previous years, violent clashes arising from rivalry among transport unions resulted in several lost of lives and widespread insecurity.
“There were several violent confrontations triggered by rivalry among the unions. No responsible government can permit such a situation to persist,” he said.
Obi commended the government for adopting what he described as a humane approach by bringing all transport unions together under one umbrella to facilitate effective communication and policy implementation.
“Once this structure is in place, the operators, union members, and the government will all benefit,” he said.
According to him, the commissioner’s plan will strengthen security and restore order to the transport sector.
“In the past, some union leaders controlled enormous amounts of money and used them for personal enrichment, including building houses, while the actual operators derived little or no benefit.
“A tricycle operator who cannot afford to replace a damaged tyre or windscreen should be able to approach the union for a soft loan or financial assistance. That is what a genuine welfare scheme should provide.”he said .
Obi maintained that establishing a single umbrella union would be beneficial to transport operators, union members, and the state government.
“What the commissioner is doing is commendable. The Ministry of Transport deserves support to successfully implement this laudable initiative,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the harmonization process could be completed within one month.
“Once the harmonized system becomes operational, it will help reduce insecurity, improve traffic management, eliminate unnecessary road obstructions, and promote discipline among transport operators. Everyone should support this initiative for the good of the state.”he said.
Obi reiterated that the reforms would bring order, enhance security, and promote peace within the transport sector.
“My advice to transport operators is to embrace the commissioner’s initiative because it is ultimately in their own interest.
“I also urge the various factional unions to set aside personal interests and work toward establishing a strong, harmonized union that accommodates everyone. The collective interest of a united union is greater than individual ambitions.”he added.
He further suggested that if the unions fail to agree on a leadership structure, the Ministry of Transport should appoint a senior official to coordinate their activities for six months before conducting a transparent and credible election.
“I hope it does not get to that stage. They should put aside personal pride and cooperate with the harmonization process.
“The central union should have a transparent financial structure. Welfare contributions should be properly managed, with workers receiving their legitimate remuneration while a significant portion is reserved to assist operators facing emergencies. No individual should be allowed to control or appropriate all the funds.
“The government should also know the amount of revenue generated to ensure accountability and prevent abuse. Allowing one individual to control enormous financial resources without oversight could eventually create a power structure stronger than the government itself.”he stated.
Obi added that while union officials would continue to perform their roles, transport operators should have greater participation in the administration of their unions.
“My greatest concern has always been the unhealthy rivalry among the various unions, which has created bad blood and contributed to insecurity in the state. Harmonization is the most practical solution, and everyone should embrace it in the overall interest of Anambra State.”he added.