2019: Resist being used as political thugs, NURTW warns members

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has cautioned its members nationwide to resist ploy by politicians to use them as political thugs during the polls.

The union urged members to confront any politician that approaches them for evil machinations to use his families to achieve the unwholesome practice.

NURTW National President, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, stated this in Ilorin on Monday during the official presentation of 30 vehicles to the branch chairmen of the union in Kwara State.

The presentation was at the instance of Aliyu Issa Ore-led Kwara State Council of the union as a reward for chairmen in local branches, who also received a sum of N40million in addition.

Yasin said the era of the transport union being identified as the hit wing of certain political parties had long gone, pointing out that the union was now revered as a professional organisation.

He noted that members of the union reserve the right to belong to political parties of their choice and vote candidates they feel would represent them well in elections as enshrined in the constitution but admonished them not to fall for booby trap.

Yasin challenged them to maintain the discipline the union was already known for and shun any conduct that could tarnish its image.

The NURTW boss, however appealed to them to take advantage of the forthcoming general elections and vote credible candidates at different levels that would cater and represent their interests.

On the presentation of vehicles, the NURTW President described the event as a great moment in the annals of the council, saying it would be the second time that Aliyu Issa Ore-led administration would be presenting cars to branch leaders.

In his address on the occasion, the state chairman of the NURTW, Alhaji Issa Ore, said the council embarked on the gesture to encourage branch chairmen and other executive members to always discharge their responsibilities with utmost sense of honesty.

He recalled that 40 Peugeot 406 cars were distributed to branch chairmen during his first tenure and promised to continue to prioritise and uphold the welfare of members.