The Commercial Drivers Welfare Association (CDWA), Rivers State Chapter, has rejected a reported increase in the offloading levy at the Rumuola motor park from N100 to N500. The association described the hike as unacceptable and capable of increasing transportation costs for commuters. CDWA's State Chairman, Comrade Christopher Ezeali, stated this in a statement issued in response to a recent press statement attributed to Mr. Julius Uche, Chairman of a branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Rumuola.
Ezeali said the association's attention was drawn to claims concerning an interim court order allegedly obtained by Uche. The CDWA had a different understanding of the scope and effect of the order. According to him, the interim order was temporary and subject to the duration prescribed by the court, while the substantive suit remains pending. Ezeali added that the association's legal team had responded to the processes that led to the interim order and that its defence had already been filed before the court.
The CDWA chairman maintained that the interim order did not authorise Uche to impose, increase or collect levies from commercial drivers who are not members of the NURTW. He specifically faulted the reported increase in the offloading charge at the Rumuola park, describing the proposed increase as excessive. Ezeali said the hike, if enforced, could have a direct effect on the cost of transportation along the Rumuola route, arguing that commercial drivers should not be subjected to what he described as an outrageous charge.
Ezeali further argued that if Uche believed the court had authorised the increase and that the order was being violated, the appropriate step would be to return to the court for enforcement rather than unilaterally impose the charge. He said the CDWA was prepared to defend its members in court, stressing that "the Court is a place of justice" and remained the appropriate avenue for resolving the dispute. The association questioned claims that government-approved taxes and levies could be used as a basis for extending authority over commercial drivers outside the union.
The association alleged that attempts were being made to create the impression that government agencies had authorised or endorsed certain actions against commercial drivers. Ezeali claimed that the CDWA had obtained a communication from the Ministry of Transport which did not indicate that the ministry had authorised Uche to act on its behalf in the manner alleged. The association urged all parties to rely on properly issued government directives and court orders, rather than personal interpretations of legal or administrative authority.
CDWA appealed to relevant security agencies to intervene and prevent the dispute from escalating into a confrontation capable of disrupting public order. It urged all parties to allow the courts and appropriate government institutions to determine the issues in dispute rather than resorting to actions capable of heightening tensions among commercial transport operators. The association warned against any attempt by individuals to arrogate governmental powers to themselves, particularly where such actions could affect the rights, businesses and livelihoods of commercial motorists.
Ezeali clarified that the Commercial Drivers Welfare Association is an independent organisation and is not an affiliate of the NURTW. He called on commercial drivers, transport unions, government agencies and security authorities to remain calm and respect the rule of law while the matter is being addressed through the appropriate legal and administrative channels. The CDWA chairman emphasised the need for all parties to allow the courts to resolve the dispute.
Key points
- CDWA rejects NURTW's reported levy hike from N100 to N500 at Rumuola motor park.
- Association urges government intervention to resolve dispute with NURTW.
- CDWA emphasises the need for court resolution, not unilateral actions.
