By Emenike Iroegbu
The name Eugene Eze Job is not one that is unfamiliar with the people of Abia, especially those who are conversant with the activities of transport unions in the state. The job was the Chairman of National Union of Road Transporters Workers (NURTW) Abia State chapter before his removal a few days ago, he is also the chairman of SATOA a Tricycle operators union for close to 10 years now.
Mr Job, however, is popular as a transport union leader for the wrong reasons as his activities are unbecoming. He disobeys government instructions, he operates what could be called a parallel system against the government and intimidates other Tricycle unions in Abia State.
I remember vividly when Dr ACB Agbazuere PhD was just made Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu ASATOA which is now SATOA was disbanded due to its anti-state activities.
It was disbanded for highhandedness, thuggery, intimidation and other very ugly inhumane activities. But the state government later reversed their decision, with ASATOA changing its name to SATOA with the same leadership.
Eze Job always has his way of remaining in the system, he knows how to throw the money around, he knows how to intimidate people in power and he believes nobody can stop him not even the governor that was why you saw the rally he organized in Aba even after the government recently disbanded him again.
Eze Job does not allow any other tricycle union operate in Abia especially in Aba, he acts as though the state belongs to him and tells anyone that cares to go hell.
The actions and activities of Job in terms of revenue collection is plummeting to that of a lawless tyrant, who respects no law or any constituted authority. He has made himself law as far as far revenue collection is concerned to a tricycle (Keke) in Abia. Mr Job has continuously defiled government’s instructions, for instance, the government of Abia state split the revenue collection bodies of tricycle operators in the state, Mr Job, however, made sure the other groups do not operate, especially in Aba. He used his boys in the commercial city to ensure nobody or group has access to the revenue generated from these Keke operators except him, this he has done in defiance of government orders.
The activities of Job is a classical example of what is described in the Hobessian State were might is right and the law has no place in such a society, Mr Job is indeed setting a dangerous precedent, a precedent that is indicative of the fact that one can defile government pronouncements and instructions without consequences to such actions.
Just recently, the Abia State Ministry of transport barred the payment of government revenues to individuals but to the government directly to help shove up revenue to enable the government work. Mr Job, however in his usual manner is flouting this order by the government, as he went ahead to print receipts/tickets which he issues to Keke riders in the state especially the commercial city of Aba, where he has created a haven for his operations. Mr Job has done this without any regards to the government and its machinery who issued the order.
These activities of Mr Job needs to be checked and curbed and he has made himself a demi-god who is untouchable and who determines what policies the government should initiate. He disregards any policy he feels uncomfortable with, and many others are watching and this menace is not stopped now, many others will also arise to challenge the government and Abia our dear state might degenerate to Anarchy. Mr job must be stopped and must be made to adhere strictly to government policies or else Abia transport unions will be seating on a gourd of gun powder waiting to explode.
*Emenike Iroegbu Writes from Umuasua*
