By Frank Ulom
Comrade Anthony Idoko Odey has been elected as the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW in Cross River State.
Odey was inaugurated alongside 12 other executives by the Returning Officer, Chief Ita Ayi after being elected and affirmed on Thursday (30th Nov. 2023) at the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Solidarity Centre, Calabar, the state capital.
New Cross River State NURTW Executives
1. Anthony Idoko Odey – Chairman
2. Edet Edem Umo – Deputy Chairman
3. Emmanuel Eyo Etim – Vice Chairman
4. Sunday Arikpo – Vice Chairman
5. Victor B. Essien – Assistant Secretary
6. Apostle Ekpenyong Ayi – Organising Secretary
7. Mary Udofia – Treasurer
8. Obu Noah – Deputy Treasurer
9. Edim Oyongha – Financial Secretary
10. Gabriel Adah – Auditor
11. Chief Tete Williams – Auditor
12. Maurice Eyo – Trustee
13. Marshal Akabom Enene – Trustee
Alhaji Aliyu Isa, Acting President of the NURTW, ably represented by Chief Joseph Aluanya, said he was pleased with the peaceful electoral process that elected Odey.
He urged the elected excos to “carry others along and run an open administration of equity, fairness and justice.”
The Acting President who was also the Presiding Office added that the “Conference is very important to the affairs of running this union, and I believe that after this, we will be our brothers’ keeper.”
He charged the elected excos that “Your performance and behaviour are known to the people you are leading and will lead to a higher position. I wish all of you the best.”
Earlier, the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Barr. Clarkson Otu, cheered the new leadership, saying that the NURTW is the key to the development of the nation and the state.
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He said, “I want to first congratulate you for this conference, the purpose, apart from changing leadership is to plan for the coming year.
“I know your problems, I know your feelings and it is my intention to tackle these problems. You need to understand your importance to the economy of the nation and state. You are a key to the development of a nation and state. It is needed that you make safety your keyword, especially in this Ember month.”
On his part, the newly elected NURTW, Cross River State Council, Comrade Anthony Odey thanked the union for entrusting him with the mantle to lead them for the next four years (2023-2027).
He pledged that, “In my first 100 days in office, I will ensure we have a new secretariat,” adding that he will embark on a statewide sensitisation of members.
THE PARADISE NEWS reports that Odey led the union for two months in an acting capacity after the passing away of former Chairman, Barr. Efa Edem in 2022.
THE PARADISE NEWS also reports that 50 delegates from 10 branches of NURTW partook in the process in the state.
Those present at the conference (who also issued their goodwill messages) are Hon. Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment (represented); Hon. Ekpeyong Cobham, State Commissioner for Transportation and Marine Services, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Donatus Ejemot Esu; Comrade Gregory Ulayi, State NLC Chairman; Comrade Monday Ogbodum, State TUC Chairman; Comrade Pastor John Ushie, former State NLC Chairman and former National Chairman of NUPRO WW; Corps Commander I. A. Ibrahim, State FRSC Sector Commander; Director of DSS; Comrade Dan Obo Jnr., State NYCN Chairman; Labour Veterans and several others.
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