‘Joining tricycle owners association is not compulsory’

The Tricycle Owners and Operators of Nigeria (TOAN) has told potential members that joining the association is not compulsory.

It said tricycle owners and operators’ right to join or refuse membership is protected under the Constitution and the Trade Union Act.

TOAN stated this in a statement on Wednesday, following a meeting with journalists.

It confirmed that it was in a dispute with some interests group outside its fold, over who should control tricycle operations in Lagos State.

“All tricycle owners/operators who join TOAN are of equal status regardless of when they exercised their right to join the Union. More so, all those willing to join the Union are welcome. Membership of TOAN is voluntary, not compulsory,” TOAN said.

The association explained that the focus of the event was to “intimate the public that TOAN is the statutory or lawfully registered and officially recognized body to organize tricycle owners and operators as a trade union.

“Well meaning, law-abiding and peace-loving tricycle owners and operators have the right under the Constitution and the Trade Union Act to join only the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) without let or hindrance.”

In her solidarity remarks, activist, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin affirmed that freedom of association is constitutionally guaranteed.