By Ken Afor
The Lagos State Government has said that the planned protest by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to take possession of motor parks in the state is illegal.
The state government said this in a statement issued by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy on Monday.
It would be recalled that last year, the state government established the Lagos State Parks and Garages (LASPG) to take possession of motor parks and garages from RTEAN, following the suspension of Musiliu Akinsanya, a.k.a MC Oluomo, who was the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.
Meanwhile, RTEAN, dissatisfied with the action of the state government, headed to court and a judgment was delivered in their favour directing the state government’s LASPG to vacate the office for the transport association but the state government failed to obey the court and appealed the judgment.
This, however, prompted the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and RTEAN to embark on a protest in the state.
Weighing in on the matter, the state government said the planned Monday protest will be of no need as the case is still in court.
The state government noted that it made efforts to resolve the lingering crisis between the two road transport bodies but they ended in futility.
“The Lagos State Government has noted the plan by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to protest the September 2022 suspension of the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos Chapter, in motor parks and garages in Lagos State due to violence and internal strife,” the government stated.
The government further said that, “A 35-man Ad-hoc Caretaker Committee was constituted by the State Government to manage the State’s Parks and Garages under the control of RTEAN pending resolution of the internal dispute and to stop immediately the violence in some parts of the State – in line with the recommendations of the Y2004 White Paper on Transport Union Matters in the State.
“Now, the TUC has scheduled a protest for September 24 to force a return of RTEAN to the parks, following a verdict of the National Industrial Court (NIC).
“Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has filed an appeal against this judgment and has a pending application for stay of execution of the said judgement.
“Therefore, the protest will be in breach of the Rule of Law, which expects both parties to maintain status quo, pending determination of the application for stay of execution and appeal.
“The planned protest is of no need and meant to arm-twist and intimidate the government, considering all the efforts being made to resolve the matter amicably.
“TUC/RTEAN should embrace dialogue. It is better and safer for our economic and social well-being,” it added.
Gov Alia Orders Immediate Rescue Of Abducted Commissioner, LG Boss
Ken Afor
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Monday, ordered the security agencies in the state to swing into action for the safe rescue of the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo; and former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa who were abducted over the weekend.
It would be recalled that Abo was kidnapped by gunmen in his Sankara residence at about 8:00pm on Sunday.
Also, Mr. Erukaa was also taken away by yet to be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
However, the state governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemned the incident and described it as “barbaric” and “unacceptable”.
Although, the abductors have contacted the family of the local government chairman, Erukaa while contact is yet to be made for Abo’s.
Meanwhile, the governor has directed the security to commence operations for the release of the duo.
The statement reads, “Governor Hyacinth Alia has received the unfortunate news of the kidnap of Mr. Matthew Abo, the Commissioner for Information, culture and Tourism, and former Chairman Ukum LGA, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa.
“While Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8pm, Sunday, September 24th, 2023, Mr. Erukaa was also taken away by yet to be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
“The kidnappers who took the duo to yet to be identified locations, have made contacts with the family of Erukaa but are yet to make contacts with Abo’s family.
“The Governor who described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, has already detailed security agencies to immediately commence operations to ensure the safe release of the duo.”
