News
Creation of rival Motorcycle Union: MOUN says Delta state government lacks the legal right
The national body of the Motorcycle Operator Union of Nigeria, (MOUN) an affiliate body of the Nigeria Labour Congress has rejected in totality the latest move by the Delta state government to create an illegitimate rival union known as the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association (COMTOA).
The Delta state government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu on Saturday noted that COMTOA has been given approval to coordinate and supervise the activities of motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state henceforth.
The SSG also noted that COMTOA will commence the management and collection of levies from motorcycle and tricycle riders effective Monday, 8th January 2024.
Meanwhile, reacting to the new order by the Delta state government, MOUN president, Comrade Julius Ogenewevgba Bobi, FCPAN called on security authorities in the state and at the Federal level to call the government to order, in other to avoid a situation where anarchy would be created in the state.
“The law is at our bosom and we shouldn’t allow the secretary to the Delta State Government to breach it if not our members will confront them and we shall be protected by Section 24 of the Trade Unions Act. So we’re soliciting that he should be called to order before there’s breakdown of law and order and its attendance consequences. We’re most obliged please”
Bobi maintained that the issue had long been judiciously settled in MOUN favour in the High Court of Justice at, Udu Judicial division, Delta state, when Hon. Justice C E Achilefu, (MRS) ruled…… “That the Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting Passengers Welfare scheme levies and motorcycle and tricycle taxes in Delta State as same contravenes Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended) The Defendants are hereby restrained from further collecting taxes and levies in Delta State that are not listed in Part II of the Schedule to the Taxes and Levies (Approved list for Collection) Act, 2004 (as amended).f. The Defendants are hereby restrained from further using private tax consultants or private individuals or bodies for assessing and collecting taxes and levies on behalf of the Defendant in Delta State as same negates the provisions of Sections 2(1), 3 and 4 of the Taxes and Levies…”
MOUN president lamented that the new move is an an attempt by the government to set the State on fire, “That’s an impunity and illegality taken too far by the Delta State Government. We’re commencing our operations on Monday to counter them,” Comrade Bobi stated unequivocally.
Comrade Bobi also cited a recent judgement where Justice Nelson Ogbuanya of the National Industrial Court (NIC), Port-Harcourt Division, has held that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by extant laws, lacks the power to register organisations under Incorporated Trustee, which has aims and objectives of a Trade Union.
He now wondered where the Delta state government is deriving their power to create a rival motorcycle Union in the state.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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