The Lagos State government has suspended the activities of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in parks in the wake of an ongoing controversy over the suspension of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, chairman of the state chapter of the union by the national body over alleged misconduct and insubordination.
Recall that MC Oluomo who has been at loggerheads with the national body of the union was suspended on Wednesday via a letter by Kabiru Yau, the NURTW General Secretary.
However, in response to his suspension, Oluomo on Thursday, pulled the Lagos branch out of the national union, insisting that he had a right to freedom of association in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitutional of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The development prompted the deployment of police officers at parks across the state on Thursday in a bid to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.
As a follow up to this quest to ensure order, the Lagos State government has suspended the activities of the members of the union.
Announcing the decision in a statement late Thursday, Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State commissioner for information and strategy, said the government has a duty to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Lagosians and visitors.
“The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). There have been claims and counter claims over the control of the union,” Omotoso said.
“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 Government’s position is premised on its responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.”