MC Oluomo pulls out of NURTW national body

Suspended Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), has announced his withdrawal and the entire Lagos council from the national body of the Union.

This is coming a few hours after the national body of the union suspended Akinsanya over alleged misconduct and insurbodination.

Akinsanya made the announcement on Thursday after a meeting at the union’s state Slsecretariat, Agege.

He said the decision to withdraw was taken in the interest of peace and after all attempts for an amicable resolution of the crisis with the national body had failed.

He said members had protested to Lagos State Government over the state of affairs in the union.

He said, “Being 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 behalf 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 immediately withdrawal of our membership and operation from the national body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State.”

Akinsanya called on Lagos State Government to take over the running of the affairs of the union with the constitution of a Park Management Committee for garages and parks in the state to guarantee peace pending determination of the matter in the interest of public peace.

He said, “Our action is in line with section 40 of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended, which provides as follows: Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political 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.

“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.”

He urged union members to go about their activities without fear of molestation pending when the state government would make announcement on their request.

“If you see policemen in your parks, do not be afraid. They’re on ground to protect us,” he said.