Delta NATA alleges threats to functions by security agencies

Assembly begins investigation of SUBEB staff list, projects

The Delta State wing of the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) has alleged threats to its functions by various security agencies.

It blamed the activities of the security agents on government’s alleged nonchalant attitude and failure to recognise the association in the scheme of things.

Its state chairman, Ifeanyi Abanum and the national patron, Frank Brown Esumai, in a sent to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said NATA as bona fide automobile professional body has kept Nigerian vehicles moving safely, adding that government at all levels had failed to recognise its functions.

They added that NATA has added value to nation building and development through the provision and repair of vehicles.

Lamenting that the country lacks quality leadership, they also accused the Oshimili South council Chairman, Chuks Obusom of employing hoodlums against the technicians at the mechanic village along Asaba-Benin Expressway over the years.

They added that the hoodlums allegedly vandalised close to 45 mechanic workshops and took away 40 vehicle engines and other heinous crimes by invading the privacy of the union with impunity.

But in a swift reaction, Obusom denied the allegation, describing it as spurious and untrue. Also, the state Lorry Drivers’ Association (LDA), has alleged multiple taxation on its members by some persons believed to be working for the state government.

Chairman of the association, Nduka Donatus Uzorgo, told journalists in Asaba that the manner in which revenue collectors molest and sometimes beat up his members was dehumanising.

Meanwhile, the Delta State House of Assembly has commenced investigation into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Staff list, as well as ongoing and completed projects.

Chairman, House Committee on Education, Angela Nwaka, who made this known in Asaba, said the measures to verify the names of all teaching and non- teaching staff and their subject areas in all public primary schools in each council across the state became necessary following alleged bloated staff of the board.

She said the committee would embark on several oversight functions on SUBEB, as part of efforts to strengthen primary education in the state.