BY UKET OKA, Calabar
The National President of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Comrade Julius Oghenevwegba Bobi, has said the aim of organizing Okada operators in the country is to earn them the respect of government and the people.
Bobi stated this Thursday during the inauguration of the Cross River State Chapter Executive of MOUN at the NLC Secretariat, Calabar, the State capital
“We aim to organize Okada operators in a way that earns them the respect of both the government and the people. Try
“There has been a lot of misunderstanding surrounding Okada riding, but our vision for this union is guided by a higher purpose,” Bobi stated.
The National President also asserted that MOUN’s mission is to provide a framework for collaboration with various levels of government to resolve security issues in the country.
“We are determined to work with Federal, State, and Local Governments to ensure that our members are seen as legitimate and responsible partners in the transport sector,” Bobi said.
He explained that the formation of the union began in 2016, noting that , “it wasn’t until we received approval from the then Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, that the union truly took shape.”
He advised the new Cross River leadership to serve as role models, emphasizing that Cross River State holds a special place in his heart.
“I urge the newly inaugurated executives to carry out their duties with diligence and integrity. Your success here can be an example for the entire country,” he noted.
In his acceptance speech, the new State Chairman of MOUN, Comrade Echip Enang Enang, expressed gratitude to the Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, the national leadership of MOUN, law enforcement agencies, and both the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their support.
Enang particularly acknowledged the efforts of the NLC and TUC in granting MOUN recognition and affiliation.
“It is with their vision and determination that we have reached this milestone,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to upholding the laws and regulations governing the union’s activities and called on all members to respect the government’s directives.
“We must operate within the confines of the law, especially in areas where our services have been restricted by the government. We will assist the government in enforcing these regulations to ensure we maintain a positive image,” he noted.
He urger members to spread the message that the motorcycle operators of today, has aligned with the NLC and are different from those of the past.
“This is a new era for us, and we must all contribute to the success of this union,” he noted.
Speaking, the Cross River State Commissioner for Transportation and Marine Services, Hon. Ekpeyong Cobham, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Donatus Ejemot Esu, stated that the state government had adopted measures to improve transportation infrastructure, including the restoration of traffic and street lights.
“Our goal is to create a safe and conducive environment for you to operate. We are here to support, not intimidate, you, and our doors are always open to discuss any challenges you may face,” he assured the union members.
In her goodwill message, the Controller of Labour at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Cross River, Mrs. Henrietta Offiong-Tabo, pledged her support to the new executives as well as to facilitate industrial training and labour-related education for the union’s leadership to enable them function
The Cross River State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Gregory Ulayi, represented by the State Treasurer of NLC, Comrade Josephine Bassey, welcomed the new MOUN executives into the larger fold of organized labour.
“You are now part of a powerful network that offers protection and bargaining power. However, with these benefits come responsibilities. Be organized, law-abiding, and respectful of the rules, as you are now accountable under the law,” he stated.
