New Anambra Truck Drivers EXCO Vows to Resist Multiple Taxation, Pledges Loyalty to Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Heavy Duty Truck Drivers’ Association of Nigeria, HDTDAN, Anambra State branch has been inaugurated by its National President, Comrade Uche Rogers Nebuwa, at Federal Government secretariat, Awka, State capital.

Inaugurating the eight-man state executive, headed by Deacon Ozoemena Okoye, Nebuwa reiterated the resolve of the association to fight multiple levies/taxes head long especially in states like Anambra, Enugu and Benue where scores of illegal revenue agents mount roadblocks.

“Now that Anambra State branch has been inaugurated, it will assist immensely in checkmating the activities of illegal revenue agents as we are the only body authorized by Federal Government to collect renue on our members nationwide, No other body is authorized to collect revenue on the roads except HDTDAN.

“The essence of this inauguration is for the people to know the Anambra State branch executives led by Deacon Okoye. All issues pertaining to HDTDAN in the state should be presented to them. They have to work in synergy with the state government.

“We should avoid gossip as it kills association. We will not be happy with anyone that causes problem here. RTEAN is mother union of the transport sector.

“We commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the marvelous achievements he has done in the state and definitely we are endorsing his second tenure. We will work with him especially in this issue of multiple levies,” Nebuwa stated.

Speaking, the National secretary, Amb. Ayobami Makinde, corroborated the position of Nebuwa that no other organizations including the three tiers of government have the power to collect levies on HDTDAN members except the association as laid down by the law.

“This new Anambra executive will work in synergy with the state government, days were gone when levies were imposed on our members without the consent of the association. This time we have to synergize with the government to carry out any action,” he stated.

The National scribe added that this association that has operated for about 14 years, is the only body that regulates the activities of its members and has power to negotiate with government for the way forward.

In his contribution, the state chairman of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, Chief Joseph Chinedu Nwabueze, said, “As mother union in the transport sector, HDTDAN has done noble with this inauguration. We are happy the inauguration took place.

“We will supervise and guide them so that they work in line with the stipulated procedure in the transport sector. It is always good to work according to law. We are like INEC to them.,” he disclosed.

On multiple levies/taxes he warned that, “I can’t allow imposition of levies on my members. If we are not part of government plan to take decision it can’t work, we have to eschew rancour and forge ahead”.

The Idemili North and South Local Government areas’ chairman of HDTDAN, Chief Arinze Idemili, while speaking expressed satisfaction with the inauguration adding that it would assist to checkmate activities of illegal revenue collectors.

“They can’t try it in my area, the illegal revenue collectors steer clear of my zone. I am happy that the media is here to spread the news that the state HDTDAN has been inaugurated and they will assist the state government to wipe out those illegal revenue agents,” he assured.