The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)

  • Our transport unions have derailed

    Our transport unions have derailed

    Sir: It was captured in the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR 2012) that operators of commercial vehicles should be members of any of the approved transport unions. These include National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and several other transport unions or associations covering taxis, buses, motorcycles, tricycles, articulated vehicles and other trucks.

    The main reasons why transport associations were captured in the National Road Traffic Regulations was to ensure effective coordination of the commercial vehicle operators for regulated operations, regular capacity building (training) to promote safer road use, creation and updating of database of members to enhance security in their operations.

    As at today, there is no transport association that has a functional and up to data database. The involvement of the commercial vehicle operators in criminal activities without trace is on the increase. The operators of commercial vehicles are so unorganised that they daily constitute traffic nuisance at bus stops and on the roads without any effective checks from the transport associations.

    The National Road Traffic Regulations clearly specifies that the transport associations must organise seminars for their members (drivers and riders) to train them every year for safer road use. This should be done in collaboration with approved standard driving schools, using the curriculum designed for the driving schools by the Federal Road Safety Commission.

    As at today, there is no major transport association that has shown commitment to the regular retraining of its members. This is a major reason why the rate of road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths involving the drivers and riders of commercial vehicles has been very high and disheartening.

    Transport associations in Nigeria have derailed from the primary reason why the government recognised and captured them in the National Road Traffic Regulations. Their only focus now is revenue generation for purposes best known to them but definitely,  not related to making contributions to safety and security on Nigeria roads.

    Read Also: QEDNG unveils summit to shape Nigeria’s creative economy

    The distraction and deviation by the transport associations into revenue generation is the principal cause of the proliferation of transport associations and their recurring leadership crises. Touting has become an affiliate of the transport associations in Nigeria instead of embracing professionalism and decent conducts in their operations nationwide.

    The Institute of Driving Instructors of Nigeria and the Driving Schools Association are always ready to collaborate with the transport associations to fulfil their mandate as clearly spelt out in the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR 2012).

    There is an urgent need for all the Transport associations in Nigeria to commence the process of purging and reorientation. The government also needs to do a thorough cleansing in the public transportation system so that the image of Nigeria will not be further damaged.

    The unruly activities of the members and staff of the transport unions will continue to negate the achievements of the government concerning the ease of doing business in Nigeria. If the transport unions continue to operate the way they have been doing for years without returning to their primary mandate and professionalism, Nigeria will be turned to a jungle by the transport associations and their untamed touts.

    A stitch in time saves nine.

    •Jide Owatunmise, Ikorodu, Lagos.

  • One killed, others injured as groups clash in Lagos Island

    One person was on Monday killed and others injured after hoodlums clashed in Lagos Island.

    The crises which were said to have disrupted the annual Egungun festival, was allegedly triggered by rancours within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    It was gathered that warring factions of the NURTW got street gangs from Oke-Arin, Sura Apongbon and Agarawu/Idumagbo to attack their opponents, forcing people to scamper to safety.

    The Nation gathered that there have been tension in Lagos Island since Friday night with several violent attempts by the factions quelled by security operatives.

    It was gathered that another violence erupted on Sunday at Apongbo leaving a man identified as Junior dead and at least two others injured.

    Not satisfied, the gangs were said to have continued the fight on Monday evening, forcing people to flee theit shops and houses.

    Read Also: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway still 40% completed

    According to a source, the violence continued Monday evening at Oke-Arin forcing traders and workers to flee the area.

    “There was crisis along Simpson by Sura. It was between Okesuna and Patey Boys. People were running in different directions.

    “The Egungun festival started today but there have been tension in the area since weekend. This festival will last several weeks and only God knows how we will survive the violence.

    “Before this Oke-Arin fight this evening (yesterday), there were attempts to attack the Agarawu/Idumagbo group early in the morning but security operatives prevented it.

    “But they continued at Apongbo and killed one Junior. They injured at least two people

    “Those responsible for this fight are the Idumota and Oke-Arin boys and they are led by Aliba and Okocha, factional members of the NURTW,” the source said.

    But the police denied death was recorded in the attacks, insisting they had no such record.

    Spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said he was only aware of the two who sustained injuries during Sunday’s clash, adding that the victims were rushed to the hospital for treatement.

    “The information I have is that there were issues there during the weekend and two people sustained injuries. We do not have record or death and Police did not see any corpse.

    “The clash is connected to the NURTW issue. The street gangs have links with the union and warring factions are using them.

    “Three suspects were arrested. There is increased patrol in the area. The Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Taskforce and other operatives have been patrolling the area.

    “The Area Commander said there was no clash today. People might have been running as a result of panic. They had issues on Sunday and Saturday but the area was peaceful on Monday because patrols have been intensified.

    “The patrol is still on going and they are still working on some names. There are names that were given among those that participated in it. They are working on them and picking them.”

     

     

  • Highway robbery claims six in Adamawa

    Six people have died following a highway robbery attack along the Ngurore-Yola road in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    Witnesses said Saturday that the robbers blocked the road and operated from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, and that they shot a commercial taxi driver named Ababakar Ibrahim whose car somersaulted into a ditch and resulted in the death of all the five passengers in the car.

    The robbers had allegedly robbed many vehicles before they killed the more unfortunate driver and caused the fatal accident.

    Our correspondent gathered that angry residents and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the area responded to the incident by barricading the road, a busy highway which links the southern senatorial zone of the state with the capital, Yola.

    An elder brother of the deceased driver, Aliyu Ibrahim, who confirmed the development, described the death of his brother and the other five people as a sad reminder of a common occurrence along the highway.

    Read Also: Let’s run Adamawa together, Fintiri tells Bindow, others

    “Armed robbers on daily basis rob people of their valuables once it is 7:00 pm on this road. They operate with impunity, without any resistance from security agencies,” he said.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa  State, SP Othman Abubakar, who spoke to our correspondent on phone  in the early afternoon of Saturday, said he did not have sufficient information on the incident.

    He said, “I do not have enough information yet. Can I get back to you later please? I will do my findings and get back to you.”

     

  • Hoodlums clash over money in Oshodi

    Ahead of Saturday’s elections, some residents of Baderin Street in Oshodi, Lagos Mainland, have expressed worry over protracted clashes between two groups of hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    They said they would relocate their families from the neighbourhood for fear of attack.

    The Nation learnt that crisis broke out in the area on Sunday night after a House of Representatives candidate gave the hoodlums ‘appeasement’ money.

    It was gathered that a faction was alleged to have removed part of the money, which led to a fight.

    Three persons were reportedly injured, while shops, campaign billboards and posters were damaged.

    A source said the politician sent the money to the hoodlums.

    A resident, who identified himself as Femi, said the clash continued on Monday morning, forcing shop owners to flee for safety.

    He said: “We have not enjoyed peace since Sunday night. People are already moving their families out of this area for fear of another attack. The fight occurred between NURTW hoodlums loyal to two parties. A politician gave them money and they disagreed on the sharing formula.

    “They pelted one another with stones and bottles. A man was stabbed. Many people sustained injuries while running away from the scene. The clash happened around 6pm. It continued on Monday morning. People closed their shops and ran away because the hoodlums carried weapons.

    “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel later came to restore peace. After leaving, the hoodlums returned in the evening and started fighting again.

    “On Tuesday afternoon, they continued the fight. The police and soldiers thereafter intervened by quelling the fight. People are afraid because this is election period. These hoodlums may return again.

    “I don’t think anyone died in the clash, but it was really serious.”

    Another resident, Emeka, appealed to Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu to ensure that more policemen are deployed in the area.

    When our correspondent visited the area yesterday, there was tension. Most people declined to comment on the issue.

    Some All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the community, who spoke to our reporter, alleged that thugs loyal to a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate caused the fight.

    They said the candidate came with some thugs around 5pm on Sunday, who vandalised APC’s campaign posters and billboards.

    However, a petty trader accused APC supporters of causing the crisis, alleging that they stabbed a PDP supporter.

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), confirmed the incident, saying only one person was stabbed.

    Oti said 20.persons were arrested, adding that peace had been restored.

  • NURTW restates commitment to peaceful 2019 elections

    The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Usman-Yasin has expressed optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the union and INEC  would ensure hitch-free 2019 general elections.

    Usman-Yasin said this while speaking with newsmen in llorin on Saturday

    He said the motive was also to guarantee safe, smooth and early movement of electoral materials to voting centres across the country.

    He disclosed that all the state union  chairmen were invited to the signing of the MOU ln Abuja to ensure actualisation of credible and reliable elections in 2019.

    Read Also: Oyo NURTW hosts ex-leaders

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MOU cautions members of the union against partisanship.among others.

    The NURTW president said the union took cognisance of the the riverine areas and captured them in terms of using boats for the early transportation of electoral materials.

    To avoid delay in the transportation of materials, however, he said all the union vehicles would be on stand-by for onward movement of electoral materials to various destinations, 24  hours beforr the exercise.

    He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that all roads were made motorable before the general elections for smooth transportation and movement of the electoral materials to voting centres

    The union leader also advised drivers that would handle movement of electoral materials to abide strictly by all rules and regulations on the highway.

    NAN

  • Edgal to NURTW: We’ll exchange fire for fire 

    …Why we removed PDP, others’ posters, billboards- LASAA

     

    Lagos Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal Wednesday warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) that the police was ready to battle any group that was out to disrupt electioneering processes.

    Edgal gave the warning following allegations that some politicians were arming NURTW members to cause chaos should their candidates not emerge victorious in next year’s election.

    He spoke at a meeting with chairmen of 64 political parties and their candidates as well as other security agencies held at the Police Officers’ Mess Ikeja.

    He said: “There is allegation that people are arming NURTW members to cause problem during the election. I warn that we will meet force with force, fire with fire.”

    The Nation reports that the meeting was triggered by allegations by Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Jimi Agbaje that his campaign posters, billboards were removed by unknown persons.

    Advising participants to engage the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Edgal said: “Lagos State is politically mature. The removal of the billboards and poster could not have been an intentional act and that is why I have invited the LASAA MD to be here today in order to clear the air on the issue.”

    However, LASAA explained that posters and billboards were removed from some roads because the parties concerned did not obtain permission.

    According to Managing Director LASAA Mobolaji Sanusi said it was only the All Progressives Congress (APC) that sought and obtained permission before placing their campaign posters.

    He said there were rules and regulations guiding the pasting of bills in the state which must be adhered to, adding that the agency usually undertook weekly clean-up to take out unapproved pasted bills.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner Sam Olumekun advised politicians to focus on issues-based campaign instead of things that could result to violence.

    Olumakun noted that INEC would ensure a free, fair and credible election which he said can only be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere.

    At the meeting were all candidates of the 64 registered political parties except Agbaje who was represented  by his deputy Mrs. Haleemat Busari.

  • 2019: INEC requires 2,600 vehicles for elections in Ebonyi-REC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) says it requires 2,652 vehicles of different types for movement of materials and officials for the 2019 general elections in Ebonyi.

    Prof. Godswill Obioma, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC ) in Ebonyi made the disclosure at a meeting between the commission and state officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

    Obioma said that effective and timely movement of election officials and materials to designated poling units and voting points was critical for credible, smooth and successful conduct of election.

    He explained that the vehicles would be deployed to the 2, 293 poling units and voting points across the 13 local government areas of the state and INEC state Headquarters.

    According to him, the Transport Strategy Plan ( TSP ) is an innovation by the state Headquarters of the commission to achieve prompt and unhindered transport arrangement for the 2019 general elections in Ebonyi.

    The REC said it would send the final draft of the transport strategy compiled by the two bodies to the INEC headquarters for approval.

    “The draft strategy plan provides for the deployment of 2, 652 vehicles of different types for the elections in Ebonyi.
    “1, 326 vehicles will be deployed for the Presidential and National Assembly elections in February 16, 2019 while another 1,326 vehicles will be required for governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections making a total of 2, 652 vehicles.

    According to the arrangement, Abakaliki will be allocated 131 vehicles, Afikpo North, 92, Afikpo South, 76, Ebonyi 90, Ezza North 99, Ezza South 89 and Ikwo 135.

    Read Also: INEC submits revised 2019 election budget to National Assembly

    Others are Ishielu, Ivo, Izzi, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu and Onitcha local government areas will receive 105, 60, 142,78, 125, and 98 vehicles respectively while INEC state Headquarters will have six haulage vehicles.

    “The transport strategy plan is a deliberate effort and knowledge driven initiative by INEC and NURTW in Ebonyi to strategize and produce a concrete transport arrangement for 2019 general elections.

    “The initiative will forestall logistics failure in the state in the short run and develop a frame work for the smooth conduct of future elections in the long run.

    “The place of transport logistics in the electoral process obviously is central and cardinal in spite of the inter play of other critical intervening variables.

    “The relevant provisions of the strategy plan are the determination of total number of vehicles requirements local government by local government strictly based on actual needs assessment.

    “It also provides for 10 per cent projected increase for the emergency responses alongside revised logistics of both men and materials required for the elections.

    “The plan also prescribed criteria for admitting quality and sound vehicles to be used for 2019, a proposal for a cost free training of drivers on ethical standard and code of conduct among other key issues,” he said.

    The chairman of the state chapter of NURTW, Chief Oko Ewah led officials of the transport union to the meeting.

  • Anxiety as Oyo NURTW boss dies

    There was anxiety across Oyo State on Tuesday as news broke of the death of the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alh. Taofeek Oyerinde (aka Fele).

    Though details of his reported death were scanty as at press time, The Nation learnt that the National President of the union, Alhaji Yasin and other Stakeholders have announced the appointment of the Vice Chairman of the union in Oyo State, Alhaji Abideen Olajide ( a.k.a Ejiogbe) as the Acting Chairman.

    Read Also:Suspected gunmen abduct council officials, NURTW secretary

    A reliable source close to the late commercial drivers’ boss confirmed his death to The Nation Tuesday.

    Ibadan residents were gripped with fear on receiving the news as many of them made calls to their loved ones to avoid popular dangerous spots for NURTW members such as Iwo Road Interchange, Gate and Molete, suspecting that some members of the union might embark on violent activities on confirming the death and subsequent appointment.

    Oyerinde was said to have had serious issues with his health, making him pay frequent visits to the hospital in the last one year.

    Fele officially succeeded Alh. Lateef Akinsola (aka Tokyo) in 2011 after years of violent supremacy battle between Alh. Mukaila Lamidi (aka Auxilliary) and Alh. Lateef (aka Eleweomo).

    The latter was killed during a political violence late 2010 at the height of the supremacy battle while Auxilliary is currently serving a jail term for criminal offenses.

    Fele was chosen to head the troubled union to stamp out violence for which the union was known in Oyo State in the previous two decades.

    Until his death, Fele was the Vice Chairman of the Union in Southwest Nigeria.

  • Market women, NURTW laud Obaseki’s achievements 

    …hail removal of thugs from markets, parks

    Market women and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Edo State have staged solidarity walks in support of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The leader of the Market Women Association, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, in their separate march, told the governor “We are here to express our appreciation to your leadership style. As keen followers of your administration, we salute you for your various initiatives which includes the promotion of cleanliness through the weekly sanitation introduced by your administration.

    Read Also:Edo berates BEDC over poor supply of electricity to residents

    “Many persons have attested to the restoration of law and order in the state capital. This has improved the free flow of human and vehicular traffic especially around markets. In the beginning it seemed like child’s play but today, we have seen the result.”

    Ogiamien maintained that “As mothers, wives and workers, your prompt payment of workers is quite commendable as it encourages workers to plan ahead and meet the demands of their families.

    “We market women commend you for demobilising street urchins and thugs or ‘agberos’ who were terrorizing our markets and making trading almost impossible. We commend you for restoring sanity in this area as we the market women now have peace and are able to do our business without any harassment.”

    She appealed to the governor not to allow for the return of thugs in the state, recalling the harrowing experiences they had in the hands of the thugs while they held sway.

    In his response, Governor Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the women for their support, and explained: “With the support of members of my administration, we stopped ticketing through which different groups were extorting market women. I never knew that my pronouncement would go far and restore sanity in the city, which has improved the total revenue collected by the local government monthly.”

    In a separate event, the Chairman, Edo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr Odion Olaye, who led other members of the union on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Benin City, commended the governor for what he called “the good work Obaseki has done within a short time in office,” and assured that members of the union are behind him.

    “We are here to pass a vote of confidence on you as the governor of Edo State, because of the good work you are doing for us in the state. It is only those who are blind that will not see the good work you are doing. You are building roads; we are seeing the projects and our members are happy with you. We appreciate the good work you are doing with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), the vigilante group and the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) programme.

    He urged those peddling falsehood to distract the governor to desist from the act and maintained that the governor deserved to be praised.

    In his remark, the governor expressed appreciation to members of the union for their support and assured that his administration is determined to make life more meaningful for the average Edo person.

    “My vision is to transform the economy and make the state viable for businesses to thrive. I have engaged contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

     

  • Three killed in Delta community cult war

    At least three persons have been confirmed killed in the Ovwian/Aladja Express Junction area of Udu council area of Delta state as some suspected rival cultists engage each other in battle.

    Besides the killings and further threat to the lives of residents and those who go through the very busy area, an outskirt of Warri metropolis, normal economic and other daily activities have been sacked by the panic that trail the cult war.

    The Nation gathered that trouble started on Monday when some unknown gunmen felled one Godwin Uwe, a notorious cultist who has been on police wanted list for a number of murder cases.

    Residents and those doing business in the area had initially assumed the fight to be a leadership tussle among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), but matters wore more dangerous colour when the shooting got more serious.

    A source living close to the area, who gave his name as Bernard, said the fight was a leadership tussle among those operating the Ovwian motor park.

    “They dropped (killed) one person Monday, they have dropped almost tow today. It’s all these agbero (touts) boys; I think they said they are fighting over positions. The place has been a no go area since.

    Read Also:Delta community boils over recognition of monarch by government

    Police have taking over the whole area already..

    “The whole of the area has been locked up by the security since, so nobody can open shop there today. When I passed there Tuesday afternoon, they have packed the corpses from the place”, he said.

    Meanwhile, confirming the development, the Police Public Relations of the Delta state police command, Andrew Aniamaka (DSP), related the whole situation to cult rivalry, adding that the situation had been kept under control.

    “So far we have three people down, I am not aware of any wounded; as at yesterday somebody died and two others were killed today. It’s cult related, it’s between these Viking and Arrowbagers, even the person killed Monday, one Godwin Uwe, has been on a list of persons wanted in connection with cases of murder. He’s one of the
    kingpins of one of the cult groups; he’s been in hiding for a while and looked like the other group got him. As we speak there’s calm in the area and in the division.

    “Nobody has come to identify the two persons who were killed today. What we’ve discovered is that these groups strike and retreat, in other words, cult members from the area employ the services of those from outside to come and do their fight, after which they disappear”, Aniamaka said.

    When asked if the fight had any link with the NURTW in the area, he said “we’ll investigate to know if such (NURTW) rivalry has culminated into cult clashes”.