Daud Olatunji
The Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adewale, popularly known as Yaro, has clarified the union’s position regarding the ongoing controversy over ticketing arrangements in the state.
This follows allegations of incitement to violence leveled against him by the Chairman of Park Management Services Limited (PAM), Mr. Akeem Bodunrin.
Adewale, addressing the media, described the allegations as baseless and reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace and order within the transport sector.
The Chairman was also corroborated by Secretary, NURTW, Ogun, Abdulazeez Kayode emphasized that the state government has redefined the roles of transport unions in ticketing, ensuring clarity and preventing conflicts.
The Ogun State government, through the office of the Commissioner for Transportation, recently issued a new operational timetable for ticket sales by transport unions.
According to the guidelines, the NURTW and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) will alternate in selling their respective tickets, while OGSPAM, a contractor under the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS), will sell government-issued tickets.
Adewale lauded the government’s intervention, stating that the arrangement corrected prior misunderstandings and aimed to foster harmony among stakeholders.
“If we all abide by the government’s directives, there will be no clashes. It’s crucial that we prioritize unity over personal interests,” he said.
Adewale also addressed the status of Park Management Services Limited (PAM), noting that it operates as a contractor under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and is not recognized as a trade union.
“PAM lacks the authority to issue tickets to union members at motor parks. It is not affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or Trade Union Congress (TUC) and should strictly adhere to its revenue collection role,” he stated.
He further urged PAM to seek legal redress if dissatisfied with the government’s directives instead of making inflammatory statements.
While citing the union’s track record, Kayode highlighted its history of law-abiding conduct, including compliance during a 2019 suspension that affected over seven million members.
“We have always adhered to governmental directives without resorting to violence. We remain committed to maintaining this standard,” he assured.
In a conciliatory tone, Adewale called on union members to maintain peace and unity.
He disclosed that he had made efforts to reconcile with aggrieved members, including offering PAM a temporary arrangement to sell tickets for six weeks—a gesture he said was aimed at fostering collaboration.
“I have pleaded with my members to avoid violence. If anyone is dissatisfied, the appropriate action is to seek redress in court, not to disrupt the peace,” he said.
Both Adewale and the secretary called on the Ogun State government to liaise with the national secretariat of the NURTW to address lingering disputes. He also appealed to security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure peace in the state.
“This is a collective responsibility. Ogun State residents deserve stability and harmony in the transport sector,” he concluded.
Adewale reaffirmed his dedication to peace and his willingness to collaborate with stakeholders for the betterment of the transport sector in Ogun State.
The clarification by the NURTW boss comes amidst heightened tensions in the state’s transport sector, with stakeholders keenly watching how the government resolves the matter to prevent further disruptions.
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