By Tracy Ohovwore
In a move to foster peace and development in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Alabi Bliss Oshionogue, has directed the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election to determine the legitimate leadership of two rival factions of the Heavy-duty Truck Drivers’ Union operating within an industrial estate in Igarra.
Rt. Hon. Oshionogue intervened in the lingering crisis by engaging both factions in dialogue at the Council Secretariat, where he praised the current Patron of the Union for his leadership efforts and urged all members to embrace unity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and called on stakeholders, including the Drivers’ Union, to collaborate for progress.
“Recall that in our last meeting, we agreed that you should work together as a body, doing things with mutual understanding that would ultimately herald a new Executive. Tap from the Patron’s wealth of experience rather than fight and disintegrate yourselves. The Council will be on ground to provide the needed support for a free and fair election for the betterment of all,” he stated.
Comrade Sunny Ifije, Patron of the Heavy-duty Truck Drivers’ Union, Akoko-Edo, Igarra Unit, lauded the Council Chairman’s developmental strides within his short time in office, describing him as a competent and visionary leader.
He noted that he and the Union Chairman, Mr. Sunny Amuku, had previously enjoyed a cordial working relationship and expressed surprise at the recent tensions arising from the upcoming elections. He pledged to consult with Union members to fix a suitable date for the polls.
In their separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Council, Rt. Hon. Tope Jacob, and the Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Stephen O. Ehihi, emphasized the need for a democratic electoral process, noting that the use of a caretaker committee is not supported by the Union’s constitution.
They insisted that the election must be held before the end of June 2025, warning that failure to do so would compel the Council to directly oversee the electoral process.
