Hours after suspension, MC Oluomo dumps NURTW, asks gov’t to take over parks

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. 

This is coming less than 24 hours after the national body of the union suspended Oluomo for alleged insubordination.

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

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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.”