Uber, Bolt drivers’ union in leadership tussle

The E-hailing Drivers Association, comprising Uber and Bolt drivers, are currently embroiled in a leadership tussle as a group has announced the removal from office of its national president and secretary.

Mr Joseph Adaraniwon, the national publicity secretary of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private-owners Association of Nigeria (PEDPAN), announced their removal in a statement on Saturday.

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According to the statement, Oluwaseun Shonuga and Islamiat Ajani were removed as national president and national secretary respectively for an alleged conspiracy and actions against the overall objectives and interest of the association.

But in a swift reaction, Shonuga told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he remained the national president of the association.

Shonuga added that those orchestrating his removal were suspended members who wanted power by all means without following the constitution of the association.

“I remain the national president of the PEDPAN. Those that are now claiming that they are national officers of the association do not have certificates of office,” he said.

He said that those behind his character assassination would soon face the full wrath of law.

“These people have been threatening me; and I have been attacked on two different occasions on this issue. They are the people that want to get popularity by destroying my good work.

“Those people have been disciplined and suspended indefinitely for not following the rule of engagement of our association,” he said.

Speaking on the matter, the Lagos State chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, said that they had been working towards resolving the ongoing leadership crisis in the PEDPAN.

“We have advised them to set their structures properly and allow it to guide the union. We came up with a 17-point memorandum of understanding to address the issue and all the parties involved agreed to it. (NAN)