NURTW Crisis: Lagos Govt Weighs In, Suspends Union’s Activities
The Lagos state government has weighed in on the ongoing leadership tussle in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), suspending the activities of the union in motor parks across the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who made this disclosure in a statement, said the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the suspension order and will take effect immediately.
The NURTW has been witnessing crisis in the past few days.
On Thursday, the NURTW announced its decision to suspend its Lagos chapter’s Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as Mc Oluomo, indefinitely over alleged misconduct, insubordination, and inciting members of the state chapter against the apex body.
The development came shortly after supporters of Mc Oluomo staged a protest during which they accused the union at national level of unnecessarily interfering in the state affairs.
The national body which ordered MC Oluomo to immediately hand over the mantle of leadership to his deputy chairman and release all property belonging to the transport body in his possession to State Secretary, said the directive is in line with Article 42 section 5, subsection I, II, III, IV, V, and VIII of the union’s constitution.
Mc Oluomo, in his reaction, broke away with his supporters from the National body of the union, urging the Lagos State Government to take over the running of the affairs of the Union in order to ensure peace and tranquillity.
The state government has now suspended the activities of NURTW in the state and immediately set up a Committee to oversee the affairs of motor parks across the state.
Omotoso, in the statement explained that the government’s directive was premised on its responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.
The statement reads, “Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the NURTW.
“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.”
