The Lagos State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Thursday withdrew from the national body following the suspension of its chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya better known as MC Oluomo.
The national body in a letter signed by its General Secretary, Kabiru Yau said Oluomo was suspended based on acts of insubordination and gross misconduct against the national leadership of the organization. The letter directed Oluomo to hand over all union properties in his care to the state secretary and hand over the leadership to his deputy.
In a swift reaction, MC Oluomo after an emergency meeting at the state secretariat at Agege announced the withdrawal of the state chapter in the interest of peace. He also advised the Lagos State government to take over the management of all parks and garages to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
He said, “Being law-abiding and responsible citizens, we have decided to explore all avenues for peace in the interest of all, we will not support any action that can threaten the peace that we cherish so much in Lagos State.
“Therefore, I, Comrade Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, on behalf of the State Administrative Council (SAC), State Executive Council (SEC) members and the entire union rank and file members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council with over 200 Branches and Zones hereby resolve to immediately withdraw our membership and operation from the National body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State and to write the Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision.”
“In view of this and the crisis at hand, Lagos State Government is hereby invited to consider its white paper on Transport Union activities, 2004 section 5C, which states that the government should take over the management of any garage or motor park where there is a crisis until such is resolved by the consultative committee.”
In a related development, the Lagos State government has suspended the activities of NURTW from all parks and garages with immediate effect in line with the advice given by MC Oluomo.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso in a statement late Thursday said the move was to prevent the breakdown of law and order following the leadership crisis in the union.
The statement titled, ‘Lagos Suspends Nurtw From Parks’, read, “The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union. There have been claims and counterclaims over the control of the union.
“The Government has a duty to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Lagosians and visitors. Therefore, there is an urgent need to douse the unnecessary tension generated by the leadership tussle in the NURTW and protect the citizenry from the likely fallout of the situation.
“After considering the provisions of the law, the Government hereby suspends the activities of NURTW, which must cease to operate in all parks and garages in Lagos State.
“The Government will set up a Committee to immediately take control of the parks and garages. Members of the committee will be key stakeholders in the sector.
“The Government’s position is premised on its responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.”
The Police had on Thursday beefed up security within the state to prevent the breakdown of law and order following the crisis rocking the union.
