….as Union gets new Exco in C’River

….We’ll assist gov’t enforce ban in affected areas….State Chairman assures

By Ike Uchechukwu,  CALABAR

The Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) has inaugurated its maiden Executives in Cross River State.

The inauguration ceremony which was held at the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Calabar, Weekend, saw the inauguration of 15 persons as Executive member’s that will  pilot the affairs of the union in the state.

Inaugurating the new Executives, the National President of MOUN, Com. Julius Oghenevwegba Bobi, charged the Comrade Echip Enang Enang-led exco to work efficiently in a bid to potray the Union in good light and conscientize member’s to serve the public in a more professional  manner.

He noted that the aim of the Union was rebranding their “trade” to change the narratives about motorcycle  riders being percieved as unorganized  and irresponsible individuals adding that it was high time the world knew that they are one of the most organized body in the transportation  business.

According to Bobi the establishment of the union started in 2016, then  we got approval from the then Minister of Labour and Employment of Nigeria, Dr Chris Ngige while urging  members to be  proud ambassadors of the union.

“We want the common Okada man to be well organised so that the government and the people will accord him the respect. Okada riding has been conceived with a certain misconception but the vision we have for this Union is divine.

“Okada riding has been banned in some states over insecurity but with this union, the issue will be put to rest. We will use this Union to interface with all levels of government – the Federal, State and Local Governments. Be proud ambassadors of the Union.”

“I want to implore the newly inaugurated state executives to do their work diligently. Cross River State is dear to me and I want the excos to be exemplary.

“I implore our members to work with the government of the day and at the national, we will never disappoint you,” he said.

he Controller of Labour, Federal Ministry of Labour and Empowerment in the State, Mrs Henrietta Offiong-Tabo, called for support for the new excos, adding, “I will take the new excos for industrial training and labour matters.”

The State Commissioner for Transportation and Marine Services, Hon. Ekpeyong Cobham, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Donatus Ejemot Esu, disclosed the milestones of the current administration, including the revamping of traffic lights, street lights and other basic amenities.

“Our purpose is to ensure our roads are safe for you to do your business. We are your friends; we are not here to intimidate you; rather, we are here to protect you and ensure you operate in your safe space. Our doors are always open to discuss any issues that may be bordering you,” he said.

The State NLC Chairman, Comr. Gregory Ulayi, who was represented, said: “We are glad to welcome you into the fold. You will get protection and bargaining power. Do not take this for granted, for you can sue and be sued. Please, be organised and law-abiding.”

In his remark, the newly elected Chairman of MOUN, Cross River State Council, Comr. Echip Enang, thank the State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, National executives of the Union, law enforcement officers as well as NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“We must cue in  and abide by the rules and legislation of the government. We must protect the interest of the Union at all cost. I want to encourage everyone to take this message back home,” Enang said.

He however warned members of the union not to operate in areas that the government has banned their services.

“We will assist  the government to enforce areest of any rider violating government  directives especially in those areas where the government said we should not operate, we must not operate in those areas.

“As you go back home, tell everyone that the cyclist of today is not the cyclist of yesterday – we are now affiliated with the NLC, ” he warned.

The newly inaugurated Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) executives in Cross River State are: Comr. Echip Enang Enang – Chairman,  Comr. Chris Offiong Effiom – Vice Chairman, Comr. Nelson Esira – Vice Chairman ,Comr. Joseph Inde Peter – Secretary.

Others include,   Comr. Godwin Amoikwen – Treasurer, Comr. Godwin Otei – Internal Auditor , Comr. Edim Oyongha – Financial Secretary, Comr. (Mrs) Mbang Anam – Women Leader, Com. Christopher Etim – Adviser 1

While  Com. Etok Asuquo Okon is  Ex-Officio 1, Comr. Bartholomew Adoga – Assistant Secretary, Comr. Emmanuel Okon Joel – Assistant Financial Secretary , Comr. Mesembe Otu – Assistant Safety Officer, Comr. Prince Ekpo Effiom – Assistant Task Force Officer and Comr. Marshall Henry Okon – Assistant Adviser 3

Ends