MC Oluomo Stands Firm: No Governor Can Halt NURTW Activities

Despite the state government’s suspension of the union’s operations due to recent violence at motor parks, the national leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has established a seven-member caretaker committee to manage its affairs in Osun State.

The committee was established on Friday at the union’s national headquarters in Garki, Abuja, under the direction of Kazeem Oyewale, also referred to as Asiri Eniba.

The inauguration takes place a few weeks after the Osun State Government halted NURTW operations in the state due to conflicts between opposing union factions that caused disruptions at multiple motor parks.

In an attempt to restore peace and order, the state government announced the suspension through Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

A group led by Oyewale organized a demonstration against Osun NURTW Chairman Nurudeen Alowonle’s leadership, which sparked the crisis.

Before reaching the Old Garage Motor Park, where they engaged in combat with members of the opposing faction, the demonstrators marched through Osogbo’s main thoroughfares while escorted by police.

NURTW National President Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, criticized the Osun State Government’s decision to halt the union’s operations during the inauguration, arguing that governors are not legally permitted to do so.

Akinsanya, speaking on behalf of Aliyu Issa Ore, the union’s deputy national president, contended that the NURTW is a legally mandated organization that functions independently of state governments.

“Today, we heard that the state governor in Osun suspended the activities of our union, which they don’t have that power.

“Not any single state governor has power to suspend the activities of the union, because we are not under any state. There is an Act that established the NURTW. We have one series of decrees.”

Ore said the union had successfully challenged similar actions by state governments in court in the past.

“I know in Oyo, recently, in Lagos, in so many states, they turned the deaf ear to our pain. But that notwithstanding, the issue at stake is not that issue. What is paramount to us is to have our leadership on ground.”

“Most especially, we have MoU with INEC, of which I was in INEC yesterday, based on the directive of the president of our union. So, in view of this, we have to inaugurate the caretaker members, who are to mount the leadership of the NURTW, pending the time we resolve all issues attached to Osun.”

“It is my singular honour to tell you and inform you that these are the leadership that will be leading our union activities in Osun. First, the chairman is Alhaji Kazeem Oyewale.”

It is essential that all parties involved prioritize dialogue and mutual understanding to resolve any disagreements amicably. Working towards a peaceful and cooperative solution will benefit everyone and ensure the continued progress of NURTW activities. Let’s encourage open communication and settle differences without resorting to conflict.