The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State chapter, has pulled out of the national body of the union.
The decision comes after Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called Mc Oluomo, chairman of the Lagos chapter, was suspended by the national body over alleged misconduct and insubordination.
Oluomo who announced the decision of the Lagos chapter to leave the national union in a statement on Thursday, said it became necessary after all attempts to resolve a dispute between the chapter and the national body failed to achieve results.
“There has been some crisis in our umbrella body, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW),” the statement said.
“All attempts to have an amicable resolution have failed. In fact. we have protested to the Lagos State Government about the State of affairs in our Union.
“Being a 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 beha|f 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:
1) immediate withdraw of our membership and operation from the National body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State.
2) Write to Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision.”
Oluomo said that decision to pull out of the national body was in line with constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, “It is important to state that our action is in line with section 40 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended, which provides that every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any poiitical party, trade union or any association for the protection of his or her interests. This means that every person shall be entitled to join an association and exit freely without molestation.”
According to him, “In view of this and 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.
“We hereby call on Lagos State Government to take over the running of the affairs of the Union with the Constitution of a park Management Committee for Motor Garages and parks in the state, thereby ensuring peace and tranquility, pending the determination of the matter in the interest of the good people of Lagos State.”