Lagos govt suspends NURTW from motor parks after Oluomo Orders

The Lagos government has announced a suspension of the activities of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state.

The announcement comes hours after the Lagos chapter of the union withdrew its membership of the national body. The moves by the Lago state Government also comes shortly after MC Oluomo ordered Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to ban NURTW from the parks in Lagos.

The Lagos chapter of the NURTW had withdrawn its membership following the suspension of Musiliu Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo, over alleged incitement.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos commissioner for information, the suspension is part of efforts to douse tension over the recent developments.

“The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW). There have been claims and counter claims over the control of the union,” the statement reads.

“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 crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) worsened today as the Lagos State chapter and its Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as Mc Oluomo, pulled out of the national body. 

Rising from a meeting at the state secretariat on Thursday, Oluomo, who acknowledged that the union has been embroiled in crisis in recent times, said all attempts to have an amicable resolution have failed.

He said, “In fact. we have protested to the Lagos State Government about the state of affairs in our union. 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; with immediate effect withdraw of our membership and operation from the national body of the NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State and to write to Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision.

“It is important to state that our action is in line with Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended, which provides as follows:

“(a) Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association for the protection of his or her interests. This means that every person shall be entitled to join an association and exit freely without molestation.”

Akinsanya however asked the state government to immediately take over the running of the affairs of the union forthwith by setting up a park management committee to manage parks and garages in the state.

He added, “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.

“We hereby call on Lagos State Government to take over the running of the affairs of the union with the constitution of a park Management Committee for Motor Garages and Parks in the state, thereby ensuring peace and tranquillity, pending the determination of the matter in the interest of the good people of Lagos State.”