Taraba HDHTAN Executive Reaffirms Suspension of Isa Nawe, Demands Independent Audit
The State Executive Council of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN), Taraba State Chapter, has dismissed claims by the suspended State Chairman, Mr. Isa Nawe, in which he denied allegations of financial embezzlement and misappropriation of the Association’s funds.
In a strongly worded statement made available to newsmen in Jalingo, the Executive Council described Mr. Nawe’s denial as an attempt to divert attention from the serious allegations levelled against him. The Council maintained that the suspension remains in force and that Mr. Nawe has ceased to act for or represent the Association in any capacity pending the outcome of investigations.
Reacting to his public defence, the Executive challenged Mr. Nawe to submit himself to an immediate internal and independent audit of the Association’s financial records rather than, in their words, “seeking cover and protection from the National body and security agencies.”
“If Mr. Nawe believes his hands are clean and that he has not embezzled the Association’s funds as alleged, we challenge him to subject himself to a transparent probe. We are fully prepared and armed with documentary evidence to substantiate our claims,” the statement read.
The Executive Council alleged that Mr. Nawe and some of his associates siphoned funds belonging to the Association to the tune of approximately ₦28,000,000 and possibly more. They further accused him of authorising the printing and circulation of receipts purportedly bearing federal government authority, allegedly used to collect money from truck drivers and operators across the state.
According to the Council, proceeds from such collections were allegedly deposited into personal bank accounts, including accounts with Zenith Bank and other financial institutions, rather than into any recognised government revenue account.
The Executive also raised concerns about the operational mandate of the Association, stating that there is growing public perception that the body lacks a clear legal framework authorising it to function as a revenue-generating agency on behalf of the federal or state government.
They questioned whether Mr. Nawe could provide verifiable evidence of remittances to any official federal or state government account.
“Can he provide the details of any federal or state government account into which he remits the revenue collected? The public deserves clarity on this matter,” the Council queried.
The statement further alleged that investigations suggest that some activities carried out under Mr. Nawe’s leadership extended beyond the scope of haulage transport, including the collection of money from agro-chemical dealers — a responsibility the Executive insists the Association does not legally possess.
The Council expressed concern over reports that individuals who refused to purchase the said receipts were subjected to harassment, restriction of movement, and in some cases threats of detention — actions the Executive described as unlawful and outside the powers of the Association.
While acknowledging that the matter has generated widespread public attention, the Executive reiterated its commitment to due process and transparency. It called on relevant security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that proper investigations are conducted without interference.
The Council concluded by reaffirming its earlier decision.
“Mr. Isa Nawe remains suspended and ceases to act for the Association in Taraba State pending the outcome of investigations. Members of the public and stakeholders are advised to take note,” the statement added.
The Executive assured genuine members of the Association and transport stakeholders across the state that efforts are ongoing to restore credibility, accountability, and lawful operations within the HDHTAN Taraba State Chapter.
