Lagos suspends NURTW from parks, garages

The Lagos State Government has suspended the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW) from parks and garages across the state.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, on Thursday night said the government’s position was premised on the government’s responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Council of the union is at loggerheads with the national body.

Omotoso said: “The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the NURTW. There have been claims and counter-claims 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.”

The Lagos Council Chairman, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), had earlier on Thursday called on the state government to take over the control of parks and garages in the state.

According to him, “In view of 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.”

Suspension: MC Oluomo, Lagos NURTW split from headquarters

NURTW suspends MC Oluomo indefinitely over misconduct

MC Oluomo’s call came following his suspension by the national body of NURTW over alleged misconduct, insubordination, and inciting members of the state chapter against the national body.

The union, in a letter signed by the General Secretary for the national body, Kabiru Yau, stated that MC Oluomo allegedly planned to instigate crisis and unleash mayhem on any branch of the union in Lagos State that refuses to obey his order.

In the letter dated March 9, 2022, the national body of the NURTW stressed that it resolved to suspend MC Oluomo after it became obvious that he was not apologetic over his actions even after he was directed to explain reasons for embarking on such act.

Rather than heeding the directive of the national body, MC Oluomo and Lagos Council membership after a meeting withdrew their membership from the national body.

Akinsanya said: “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 Nationai Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council with over 200 Branches and Zones hereby resolve to immediate withdrawal of our membership and operation from the national body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State and to write the Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision.”

The Star