The Chairman of Park Management Services Limited (PAM) in Ogun State, Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin, has called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in the growing discord within the state’s transport unions.
Bodunrin accused certain political appointees and union leaders, particularly Alhaji Mustapha Adewale Ismail (Yaro), Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ogun State, of inciting unrest.
Bodunrin, in a statement issued Wednesday, claimed Yaro is working with non-state actors and leveraging political connections to destabilize the transport unions.
He pointed fingers at high-ranking officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, and the Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, alleging they are complicit in the crisis.
“Yaro is not an indigene of Ogun State and seems intent on creating chaos to the detriment of the unions. Governor Abiodun must act decisively to address these issues and restore order,” Bodunrin said.
He also alleged plans by Yaro to disrupt operations on January 19, 2025, a period designated for PAM’s activities.
He urged the governor to enforce agreements promoting rotational operations between the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and PAM.
However, Yaro, in a swift rebuttal, denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement signed and released on Wednesday, Yaro clarified that PAM operates as a revenue-generating entity and not as a trade union under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“PAM lacks the authority to issue tickets or dictate the operations of transport unions. Its role is strictly limited to revenue collection under a contract with the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS),” Yaro said.
He further accused PAM of refusing to cooperate with the NURTW’s national body and warned against actions that could escalate tensions.
Yaro emphasized the NURTW’s commitment to peace, citing the union’s compliance during a 2019 suspension that affected millions of members without resorting to violence.
“We remain law-abiding and committed to ensuring peace in Ogun State. The government should engage with the NURTW’s national secretariat to resolve any disputes,” he added.
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