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Tag: National Union of Road Transport Workers

  • Leadership change: Ajimobi warns NURTW against violence

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday warned the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state to eschew any form of violence and crisis in their effort at changing power.

    The advice is coming following feelers from some quarters that a faction in the body is threatening to take over power from the incumbent, immediately a change of guard occurs at the state governorship level.

    Ajimobi gave the advice while playing host to the National President of the Union, Mr Najeem Yasin who led other national officers of the union to his (Ajimobi’s) office on a courtesy call.

    Giving a remark, the governor noted that the union must stick to the provisions of its constitutions in terms of change of power and ensure that the era of using cutlasses and guns to take over motor parks and garages in the state should be gone forever.

    While thanking the NURTW boss for his support to achieving peace in the state chapter of the union, Governor Ajimobi enjoined a strict adherence to the Union’s constitution in the selection of its leaders.

    Ajimobi said, “Our administration came on board when the state was a garrison command. There was brigandage everywhere caused mainly by the activities of NURTW members. There were so many no-go-areas across the state, especially in Ibadan.

    “We promised not to interfere in the activities of the union and restore peace to the state which we achieved tremendously. Our administration did very well by whatever yardstick anyone might intend to use and we are the most peaceful, successful and security-conscious administration in the history of the state.

    “I am proud to say that whatever we have achieved today in Oyo state, especially in terms of peace and security, Alhaji Yasin and his executives contributed to it.

    “On your election, just follow the law and do whatever the law says. Don’t bend it. And leaders must know that anywhere you are, don’t want to be there forever because you cannot be there forever.”

    Speaking earlier, the NURTW boss assures that nobody or group can take over leadership of the union unconstitutionally noting that the era of taking over motor parks with guns, cutlasses and violence is long gone in the history of the union in the state.

    He added that all transitions at any level of the union would be in compliance with its constitution, calling on members to sustain the peace established under the Ajimobi-led administration.

    “Your Excellency, we are here in Oyo State to meet our members and after the meeting, I felt it is important to visit you. We want to appreciate you for the peace that reigned in our union in the state.

    “Since the inception of our union in Oyo State, we have never enjoyed relative peace like the one witnessed under your administration. Today, we have forgotten the era of using cutlass and other dangerous weapons to take over the leadership of the union in the state.

    “Anyone who tries to take over unconstitutionally or violently should be ready to face the full wrath of the law. We are now affiliated to the International Transport Federation, and so we have gone beyond brigandage and violence.

    “Some people have been going around that by May 29, another leadership is taking over but I have told them that it cannot be because it is against our Unions constitution.

    “By August, we would have our delegate conference where I will step down for another leadership to come in. In October, we will have state delegate conferences across the 36 states.

    “We know the sacrifices you have made in our union to enjoy the current level of peace and stability and we will never allow anyone takes us back. And that is why we have come to thank you.”

  • Transport unions urged to shun thuggery, violence

    A Lagos-based Islamic Scholar, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Baya, has appealed to Nigerian Union of Transporters and their members to shun thuggery and violence for peace to continue reigning in Lagos State and in the country.

    He said violence does not solve solution rather than to compromise the society’s peace and harmony which always have adverse effects on economic growth.

    Alhaji Baya urged the union leaders to embrace unity and monitoring their members’ activities to ensure the spirit of God dwell in them.

    The Islamic scholar spoke at the birthday ceremony of a leader of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Adekunle Lawal (aka Kunle Poly) in Apongbon Area of Lagos State.

    Read also: NURTW tussle: Oyo artisans appeal to Auxiliary, Ejiogbe to eschew violence

    The event was well attended by dignitaries across the country. Police and other security agencies mounted every corner of the ground to ensure maximum security of lives and properties.

    The two-in-one event was used by the NURTW leader to commission his multi-million residential house built in Lagos Island.

    March 23 made it exactly a year that Kunle Poly handed over the ultra-modern mosque in Apongbon area of Lagos Island.

    The event featured prayers and tributes from those that present, among them were executives of a non-governmental group, 30Billion Gang.

    Kunle Poly, it was gathered  is a member of 30Billion Gang group and the group, according to its President, Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, was established to use their treasures and talents to assist the less-privileged people in the society.

    He said the group was established with some likeminds people to contribute their quotas in uplifting the less-priviledged people in the society.

    He described Kunle Poly as a honest and diligent man who has passion for assisting the needies. He prayed that God will continue to protect him, his family and all his followers.

    His first daughter, Fathia Lawal described him as the best father in the universe. She said Kunle Poly is a disciplinarian, loving and caring father. She prayed for long life and more prosperity for her father.

  • ‘How policemen killed my husband in Uyo’

    Mrs. Margaret Udofia, the wife of late Uyo Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Ubong Udofia, has pointed accusing fingers at the police over the death of her husband during a fracas in a motor park.

    She told newsmen on Friday that her husband died in controversial circumstances in the hands of some policemen.

    Margret lamented the sudden death of the family breadwinner which had left her to take care of nine children left behind.

    She called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the State Police Command and Gov. Udom Emmanuel to ensure justice was done in the case.

    “I have nine children to take care of and the eldest is just 15 years and none has entered the university yet.

    “My appeal to the IG should not be ignored as all the evidences point to deliberate and premeditated murder because my husband and the task force members did not beat the policeman as alleged.

    “All they did was just to direct the policeman to comply with the regulations of loading in the park and not to constitute road nuisance by loading his vehicle on the roadside because touting is illegal in Akwa Ibom,” she said.

    She said her husband, 45-year old Udofia popularly called ‘Evolution’, was alleged to have been clubbed to death with guns by four Policemen, after trying unsuccessfully to kill him through direct shooting.

    She explained that her husband met his untimely death when a minor argument with a policeman resulted in full-blown brawl at the Uyo motor park.

    “I was just returning from the market when I was called suddenly to come and witness what happened to my husband.

    “When I got to the place, my husband was already gasping for breath until he gave up in my presence,” she said.

    According to her, a policeman had parked his car and was loading passengers near the Itam motor park, when members of the task force working for my husband accosted him.

    “The victim’s task force directed that he (policeman) should enter the park and load so others should not join him in loading on the road.

    “The policeman, on mufti, resisted and the task force members demanded for the car key and he refused.

    “The car, it was gathered, was pushed into the park on the orders of the deceased to adjudicate on the matter.

    “My husband was inside another vehicle waiting for the car owner, not knowing he (policeman) had called four of his colleagues, who arrived and immediately opened fire on him,” she narrated.

    According to her, they opened fire but when the bullets could not penetrate his body; they resorted to using their gun butts to club him till he became unconscious.

    She explained that several other policemen attached to a construction firm were called for more reinforcement and more sporadic shootings followed, leading to people scampering for safety including the task force officers.

    Read also: Akwa Ibom APC seeks tribunal’s relocation to Abuja

    “Luckily, one of the policemen who participated in my husband’s death was trying to escape from the scene and unfortunately for him, his identity card fell off his shirt and was picked up as evidence on the scene.

    “The name of the policeman is Sergeant Nwafor Silas, from Ebonyi State Police Command and attached to a construction company with service number “425015”, she said.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Itam Division, CSP Francis Irabor, who visited the deceased at the God’s Own Hospital, Park Road, near Itam Park before he died, confirmed the incident.

    He promised full-scale investigations into the matter, while assuring that appropriate punishment would be meted on the culprits.

    Reacting, the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Odiko Macdon, said he was busy and would not comment on the issue.

    “As I speak, I am very busy; I may not be able to give you whatever answer you want now.

    “I am in a meeting, as you know we have a new CP. So let me do what I have to do first,” Macdon said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident that led to Udofia’s death happened on March 28.

  •  Lagos Mega City: Transport workers train over 200 commercial drivers

    For the transportation system in Lagos State to meet international standard, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employer’s’ Association of Nigeria  RTAEN) have come together under the Amalgamated Mega City Transport Services (AMCTS)Limited to train commercial drivers across the city.

    Speaking with reporters at the Transport Week-long training workshop for city bus drivers, held at Abule Egba , Lagos, AMCTS Managing Director, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, said over 200 will be trained in the  first batch, saying all drivers should make use of the opportunity through commitment in order to meet up with the challenge for smart city which Lagos State deserves.

    He said structured training of driving instructors and drivers on state-of-the-art safety trainings tracks, as well as evaluation and certification of both instructors and professional drivers will be the pillars of the programme.

    ”As professional drivers, we are proud to associate with this standard, hence, this prompted us as major stakeholders in the transportation industry to officially unveil this week-long drivers training programme.

    “As it is generally known that drivers are the promoters of economic well-being of any given nation, we should all at this time be prepared to carry out our function towards moving the economy of the nation forward,” Agbede said.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Christian Olakpe, urged the drivers to be more disciplined, focused and intellectual in their operations.

    He said the state is ready to support them in every capacity in order to meet up with the international standard.

  • Police declare Mustapha Seigo wanted for attempting to disrupt APC rally

    The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday night declared a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chieftain Mustapha Adekunle aka Seigo wanted for attempting to disrupt APC rally

    A statement by police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), said Mustapha Seigo, came to the rally with a group of people and were identified at the entrance as supporters of the party.

    Oti said: “However, at the tail end of the event, Seigo and his group for a reason yet to be determined violently engaged other supporters of the party. In the ensuing melee, one MC Oluomo, another NURTW chieftain, was stabbed and was rushed to EKO Hospital where he is currently recuperating while two other victims of the attack were taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for treatment. The crisis was quickly contained by policemen at the venue.”

    Read also: One dead, MC Oluomo, three journalists, others injured at Lagos APC rally

    It will be recalled that a few hours before the rally started, the Commissioner of Police Imohimi Edgal held a meeting with the leaders of the NURTW and the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) and other affiliate groups where all the parties agreed to eschew violence before, during and after the electioneering.

    “It was therefore surprising that a prominent member of NURTW would attempt to violently disrupt a peaceful political rally.

    “In view of the development, the Command wishes to encourage members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of Mustapha Adekunle popularly known as Seigo to report such at the nearest police station,” he said.

    Oti said two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

  • Ngige urges NARTO to sustain partnership among members

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has called on the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to sustain more collaborative partnership among members.

     

    Ngige, represented by Alhaji Idris Idris, made the call at the NARTO 18th Annual General Meeting in Sokoto on Tuesday.

    The minister said: “I want to use this forum to appreciate your association for working in collaborative partnership with your members.

     

    “This has in no small measure contributed to sustaining industrial peace and harmony as a major prerequisite for economic growth and development.

    “In this regard, I wish to reiterate that my ministry places much emphasis on social dialogue.

    Read Also:  Buhari, Ngige, Wabba meet in Aso Rock over minimum wage

    “As such, I want to state without equivocation that the doors of my office will continue to remain open to achieve this objective.’’

    He called on the participants at the conference to give it all the necessary seriousness it deserves.

    “All hands should be on deck to ensure the success of the conference, as I have no doubt that the outcome will significantly strengthen your association in attaining its statutory mandates.

     

    “This will provide a conducive environment for the maintenance of industrial peace and harmony which is a catalyst for socio-economic growth of our nation,’’ Ngige said.

     

    In his message, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, commended NARTO for selecting the state for the meeting.

    Tambuwal called on the association to continue to focus on modern and latest means of transportation of goods and services across the country.

     

    “The transport sector been a crucial sector that played important role in the movement of goods and services; hence the need to focus more on modern system to be fully sustainable.

     

    “It is in view of this that the Sokoto State Government formed a committee to look into the activities of NARTO and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, ‘’ he said.

     

    Earlier the President of NARTO, Alhaji Kassim Bataiya, commended the efforts of the Federal Government in the area of road construction in many parts of the country.

     

    Bataiya called for the dualisation of Makera-Kontagora-Yauri-Jega-Sokoto Road and upscaling of the security arrangement on Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road to stop the incessant kidnapping of people on the road

  • Ondo Assembly invasion : ‘Fed Govt, APC should intervene’

    A group, Ondo State Leaders of Thought, yesterday condemned the invasion of the House of Assembly by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    The group described the attack on legislators as an indirect attack on the people.

    Some NURTW members  last week stormed the House and inflicted injuries on lawmakers and workers, shortly after the removal of its principal officers.

    The hoodlums, armed with dangerous weapons, including bottles, cutlasses and sticks, were allegedly accompanied to the House by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Jimoh Dojumo.

    Rising from their meeting in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend, the group decried the attack, and called on the Federal Government and APC national leadership to rise up in defence of democracy.

    At the meeting were Chief Mrs. Tanimola Grace, Kunle Eko Davies, Akin Akinigbagbe, Prince Fioye Bajowa,  Idris Eleweje, Mrs. Fausat Kazeem,  Olu Akintan, Paul Akintelure.

    In a statement, the group noted that agents of the government attacked expectant women, journalists, political leaders, civil servants, market women and lawmakers.

    According to the group, “the implication of the actions of the government-sponsored hoodlums is that the elected representatives of the people are not allowed to perform the duties for which they are elected to the House “.

    Calling on the Federal Government to beam the searchlight on the Akeredolu-led government, the group said “the continuous act of unchecked brigandage will spell doom for the party in the state.”

    The statement reads: “We condemn in the strong term the recent invasion of the Ondo State House of Assembly by members of NURTW, led by one Jacob Adebo and notable agents of government in the state.

    “It is on record that the same set of people has attack pregnant women, journalists, political leaders in the state, civil servants, market women and now the elected members of the  Assembly.

    “Any person or group of people in the government should try and avoid the mistake of 1983 that led to political calamity and destruction of properties in the state.

    “Silence of the state government on this dastardly act is an indication that the act was sponsored by them. We appeal to the Federal Government and the national leadership of the APC to call Governor Akeredolu to order because if this act of hooliganism continues unabated, it will cost the party electoral success in 2019 elections.

    “Akeredolu is  sighting the House of Assembly, NUJ, NLC, Oshiomhole, Tinubu, Boroffice, Abraham and the stakeholders

    “We also urge the government to look into activities of the Akeredolu-led government since inception in the state, because his continuous act of hooliganism will spell doom for the party in the state.’’

  • Journalist petitions police over alleged attempted murder

    A broadcast journalist, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, has accused members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) of allegedly attempting to kill him.

    Bamigboye, also an investigative journalist, popularly called Omo Edema, alleged that he was beaten up by the members at a park, adding that they injured him.

    He said he had gone to the park to get their reaction to an allegation levelled against a driver.

    Bamigboye, in a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command and the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department (SCIID), alleged that his attackers received instruction to kill him from a unionist.

    The petition, written by his counsel, A.Y. Aliyu of YUSMAIL Chambers, urged the police to investigate the matter and prosecute the suspects.

    It said: “We are solicitors to Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, aka Omo Edema, a radio presenter and an investigative journalist. We shall hereinafter refer to him as ‘our client’, on whose instruction we write your competent office as stated hereunder:

    “That on November 8, Mrs. Oluwatayo Aanuoluwa approached our client and explained her ordeal with men of the NURTW, at a motor park, Road Block Village, Akure, Ondo State.

    “She told our client that on November 2, she boarded a vehicle from the park to Ilesha and she never knew how she got to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, mysteriously.

    “That our client advised Mrs. Aanuoluwapo to report the matter at the Special Anti-kidnapping Squad of the Nigeria Police, Akure and she complied.

    “Our client later decided to confirm the allegation at the NURTW unit. Our client went there with one of his colleagues. Our client explained the circumstance that warranted his coming to the park.

    “That after listening to our client, the unionists called other members to come and listen to our client’s story. These members denied the allegation, saying the woman never boarded a vehicle at their park.

    “Our client thereafter demanded the manifest. They were furious at our client’s demand. They, however, reluctantly released the manifest three hours later and Mrs. Aanuoluwapo’s name was not found in it.

    “At that juncture, our client left the park. While leaving, the unionists ordered members to beat him up.

    “Our client and his colleague were molested and humiliated by the members. In an attempt to lynch our client, they put tyres on his neck and his colleague’s.

    “That our client became unconscious and was taken to the Area Command, Akure. The area commander, who was furious at the conduct of the drivers, ordered that our client be taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Akure. The picture of the scenario wherein our client was humiliated is hereby attached. We also attach the hospital bill for your perusal.

    “We hope you will use the instrumentality of your office to investigate this complaint and take legal action against the culprit.”

  • INEC, Wike disagree over failed Rivers by-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would be partnering with the business community in Enugu State to ensure a hitch-free 2019 General Elections in the state.

    INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Dr Emeka Ononamadu, said this in Enugu during INEC’s meeting with major stakeholders in the business community in Enugu State.

    Ononamadu noted that the business community had a high stake in elections, as outcomes of elections or governance affect businesses directly or indirectly.

    “If there is any tension in the land during election as an outcome of irregularities and disagreements, the business community suffers the impact most and if it is in the reverse where there is credible election and good governance the business community reap most of the dividends,’’ he said.

    The REC noted that it was in the best interest of INEC to expose and enlighten the business community on its roles in order to support INEC ensure a credible and smooth elections.

    “For instance, the commission needed the business community in the area of transportation of its staff and materials on time on the D-Days of the elections.

    Read Also: INEC, Wike disagree over failed Rivers by-election

    “We also need the business community to mobilize their members to register in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and collection of their Permanent Voters Cards.

    “Also, for your members to conduct themselves in a professional manner, come out en mass to vote and not engaging in the recent negative trend of vote buying and vote selling,’’ he said.

    Ononamdu noted that INEC had taken its advocacy and CVR registration to banks, markets, communities and other public places in the state to ensure it carried everybody along in the electoral process leading to the 2019 General Elections.

    Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Emeka Okereke lauded INEC for being pro-active and doing wider consultations ahead of the elections.

    “I believe this wider consultation with various stakeholders will bear much fruit and make the electoral process and election more acceptable, credible and hitch-free, as each individual, group and stakeholder understand his role and play it faithful,’’ Okereke said.

    The state Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Matthew Asogwa, noted that the union had been working hand-in-hand with INEC before now, adding that it managed the transportation arrange of INEC in 2015 General Elections in the state.

    “We have earlier mandated our members to register for CVR, collect their PVCs and ultimately ensure they vote on the D-Day.

    The NURTW is also inviting INEC to its meeting on Aug. 29; for the commission to use the avenue to enlighten our members the more and answer questions that are bothering them concerning the forthcoming elections,’’ Asogwa said.

    Leaders of various market associations and unions as well as department stores in the state attended the meeting.

  • Shooting in Ado-Ekiti as RTEAN members clash over leadership

    Many wounded

    There was sporadic shooting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday as members of the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) were locked in a bitter struggle for the leadership of the body.

    There was panic in the city for several hours as many residents were reportedly wounded during the clash.

    Loyalists of the incumbent chairman, Samuel Agbede and former chairman, Rotimi Olanbiwonnu, reportedly launched attacks against one another following the takeover of RTEAN motor parks by supporters of the former.

    Agbede is a loyalist of outgoing Governor Ayo Fayose while Olanbiwonnu is a loyalist of incoming Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    Areas like Okeyinmi, Old Garage and Ijigbo were turned to war zones by that rampaging drivers as several gunshots rent the air sending many residents scampering to safety.

    The attack sacked the popular Erekesan Market, also known as Oja Oba as business activities were paralyzed.

    The mayhem forced shop owners in the areas to hurriedly close for the day and headed home to avoid being caught in the crossfire by unionists.

    Many residents sustained injuries in a bid to escape from the scene while traffic came to a standstill as motorists and motorcyclists diverted to other routes.

    Read Also: Man stabs father, himself to death in Ekiti

    Armed policemen were drafted to the flashpoints of violence while many people were said to have been arrested.

    Crisis has been rocking RTEAN following the discharge and acquittal of Olanbiwonnu and six others who were on trial for alleged complicity in the murder of former National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Omolafe Aderiye.

    Aderiye was killed on September 25, 2014 and the trial of the accused persons at an Ekiti State High Court ended on January 27 when they were set free after nearly four years in prison custody.

    The latest violence was reportedly sparked by the alleged arrest of Olanbiwonnu by the police which his loyalists believed was another attempt to detain him perpetually.

    Reacting to the mayhem, police spokesman, Caleb Ikechukwu, claimed that nobody had been arrested at press time.

    Ikechukwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the situation has been put under control while the warring factions have been invited to ensure peace.

    He said policemen have been deployed in all the affected areas and have the mandate to protect lives and property.