Following the gun attacks between factional members of the National Union of Roads and Transport Workers (NURTW) in some parts of Osogbo, on Monday, the National Association of Local Government Employees (ALGON) in Osun, loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday announced the suspension of the union activities in all motor parks.

 

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the vice chairman of ALGON, who is also the chairman of Ilesa East Local Government Area, Lanre Balogun said the body derived its power to suspend NURTW’s operations from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

He chided what he termed Governor Ademola Adeleke‘s alleged incapability of address the situation or to take decisive action against those responsible for NURTW crisis as a result of political consideration.

 

According to Balogun, “you are all aware of the recent wave of violence in Osogbo, allegedly linked to the factional chairman of the NURTW, Nurudeen Alowonle, including the tragic killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man who is currently receiving medical treatment.

 

“These incidents have triggered reprisal attacks and repeated invasions of motor parks by security agencies in search of suspected criminals.

 

“Our motor parks have gradually become criminal hideouts and are no longer safe for members of the public. Consequently, people are beginning to lose confidence in the park and garage system, which remains the primary means of transportation across the state, “he stated.

 

He further explained that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vests the administration and management of public motor parks in the Local Government Councils by Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

 

Subsequently, Balogun declared, “Accordingly, the ALGON, Osun State chapter, hereby suspends the activities of all transport unions in Osun State, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in all public motor parks with immediate effect.

 

“We also call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over all motor parks and garages across the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife East Area Office (Modakeke) to ensure the protection of lives and property.”