Tinubu: Our political movement has no link with NURTW, says Yasin

The Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najim Yasin, has described as mischievous and political immaturity a news report making the rounds that he is trying to drag the NURTW into partisan politics.

Reacting to the report through a statement issued and signed by Mr Garba Adebayo Tajudeen and Comrade Opeyemi Saheed, Director General and Secretary respectively of a political movement, YASIN for Tinubu/Shettima Presidency in Kwara State, Yasin said as a citizen of this country he has rights to freedom of speech and association.

“By section 25 of the 1999 constitution, Alhaji Najim Yasin, just as most members of the union is a citizen of Federal Republic of Nigeria and has rights as citizen in a Democratic setting. These rights include freedom of speech and association. These rights are sacrosanct and can’t be taken away from any Nigerian, Alhaji Yasin inclusive. While Alhaji Yasin has at no time link NURTW to his movement for Asiwsju Tinubu,” the statement said.

Apart from that, the movement also credited Alhaji Yasin for bringing the union to limelight, adding, “The dark old days of discrimination against NURTW and its members are gone. The union is now recognised as a critical stakeholder like other professionals such as lawyers and medical doctors.

“The NURTW like NBA and NMA is an important stakeholder with civic rights and responsibilities. NURTW is now a beautiful bride whose support must be canvassed and votes mobilised by all candidates.”

On the allegation that Yasin is a member of Labour Party  it stated, “This position is wrong both in fact and in law. There is nothing in law that states that all NLC members must be members of Labour Party. Article 10(1 and 2) of the constitution of the Labour Party states that her members must obtain a membership form, pay fees and register in their wards of origin. At no time did Alhaji Yasin take any step to join Labour Party. He is strong believer in Asiwaju Tinubu and Shetima ticket and will do everything lawful to ensure their emergency ”

The movement warned detractors to desist as Alhaji Yasin would not allow anybody to soil his hard earned image and reputation.