NURTW on warpath with Abak Council

The recent demolition of some properties within the Abak Local Government main motor park has triggered a cold war between the leadership of the council headed by Pastor Ekerette Inyang and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), headed by one Obong George.

Our correspondent who visited the park recently, reports that some structures in parts of the park have been brought down while renovation work are also going on.

It was however gathered that NURTW, Abak branch, had in the early 90s during the administration of former Military Administrator of the State, Navy Captain Joseph Adeusi, secured the property and certificate of occupancy (C of O) duly signed by the former Milad and presented to the Union.

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It was also learned that the NURTW was managing the park in partnership with the local government before the former illegally took over total control despite court judgment that restrained it.

However, the cold war reached the peak recently when government brought bulldozer to demolish some properties without the knowledge of the Union. This, it was learned, forced the Union to approach Nsikak Akai & Associate of OASIS Chambers for the process of taking legal action against the council.

Investigation revealed that the renovation project is that of the Federal Government and the initiative of member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Hon Aniekan Umanah.

Speaking with our correspondent, the NURTW chairman in Abak, Obong George said that he is not against development to the area but frown at demolishing properties in a place that has C of O without the consent of the Union.

He said that just must not only be done to the owners of the property (NURTW) but must be seen done and expressed confidence that the local government chairman, Pastor Ekerette Inyang will do the needful by going into dialogue with the Union.

Attempt to reach the council chairman, Pastor Ekerette Inyang for reaction as at the time of filing this report proved abortive but a senior staff in the council who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the the demolition. While denying knowledge of the cold war between the council and the union, he said that the demolition is to give way for modern facilities in the park.