A'Ibom Transport Ministry in Etim Uno's Era

Michael Ufot

A well organized transport administrative structure serves as a necessary tonic for transport system development of any society. Transport is an essential part of human survival. No modern nation, State or entity can develop and grow without a sustainable transport system. The nature of available transport can either make or mar the image of a State.

The administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel which met the full implementation of Keke Napep and Mini-buses in Uyo metropolis of Akwa Ibom State had a tough task to rebrand the transport sector to what it is today. What now become the spoilsport were motorists and tricycle operators who served as the first port of call to visitors to the State, then turned out to portray the State in a bad light. Passengers suffered embarrassing moments as they were either beaten or cursed by motorists. Keke riders freely armed themselves with matchets and knives to tackle each others. It was truly a time of shame for Akwa Ibom State. Associations of Commercial transport operators sprung up from all corners of the State. Some were owned and managed by the then Commissioner of Transport while riders grouped themselves in twenties to form theirs. Protests, war of words and physical combat were becoming a familiar gesture in the then transport sector of the State. In a nutshell, money making at all cost became the order of Akwa Ibom State system.

Commendably, the Orman Esin-led Ministry in 2017 and partly 2018 gave the transport sector some sort of direction, as some associations were shutdown indefinitely and proper monitoring teams for both Keke and Mini-buses were formed. The effort only reduced the evil activities of the transport operators, but did not end them.
There were repeated incidences of motor accident, killings of motorists and injury of innocent passengers allegedly caused by taxforce team of the Ministry. Too many menace of uncontrollable touting, illegally loading point and assaults were recorded. Such acts were not good for the image of Akwa Ibom State.

Evidently, the Akwa Ibom State Transport Ministry in Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno's era has redeemed the lost glory and battered image of the State back to life. There is decorum, orderliness, proper monitoring of the activities of motorists and Keke riders in the sector today.

The present Commissioner for Transport has successfully activated various administrative machineries, implement information plans and set up structure for the good image of our dear State. He also end the age-long disparities and differences in the sector.

He has successfully developed and built an efficient, flexible, safe, responsive, functional, affordable, comfortable and coordinated transport system, which in turn, is showcasing the adorable image of Akwa Ibom State.

To achieve best practices, Rt. Hon Uno has ensured that there is division of labour, which according to some contenders, remains the major content and ways of achieving something tangible in administrative set-up. He quickly understands that the administration of any organization or entity requires a definite strategies and cooperative human action, directed towards achieving a common goal, which is perhaps a function of why individuals have been brought together.

Although this "square peg in a square hole Transport Commissioner" has been able to stem the tide of mushroom Transport Associations, protests, infighting, amongst other menaces, there are still some outstanding issues that must be urgently tackled.

The Monitoring and Compliance Team of the transport Sector have displayed poor attitude as they continuously beg and sometimes, forcefully collect money from Mini-buses and Keke riders on daily basis. Sometimes they take a defaulted Rider to the extreme of Oron Road, Aka Road, Idoro, Nwaniba and other scary places to forcefully collect #10,000 from the culprit. Passerby and right thinking members of the society are not pleased with these actions.

 It is believed that illegal loading points cannot be totally scraped, but the most outstanding ones at Ibom Plaza by De Choice Mall, UBA by Aka Road, Itam Flyover, Ekom Iman Junction, and Urua Ekpa Junction should either be modernized or stopped at once.

There is the need for an authority structure to control and coordinate the activities of people and that of organizations involved in transport planning, operations and services in the Transport Sector of the State, to ensure that the dream and target of the Commissioner and that of the State government is achieved. With these, the full regalia, beauty and respect of Akwa Ibom State can be gotten from The Ministry of Transport in Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno's time.