Union leader apologises, condemns killings, attacks

Lagos State Government has suspended activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at Eyin Eyo, Church Street and Idumota Bridge indefinitely due to the recent disturbances in the area.

It explained that the action is aimed at fulfilling one of the objectives of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the government as it relates to security and good governance under traffic management and transportation.

At a stakeholders’ meeting involving NURTW, Central Business District (CBD) and Lagos State Market Women Association in Lagos Island to tackle the crisis often caused by the activities of the union, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, said the suspension was to prevent further violence. He, however, added that the Lagos State Parks Monitoring Authority would resume activities at Eyin Eyo.

In a statement issued yesterday, Fayinka disclosed that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) would deploy an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) on Idumota Bridge to deter motorists from driving against traffic in compliance with traffic rules and regulations and to enforce the suspension of the NURTW in the area.

He said the state government also suspended the activities of the transport union at Church Street and John Street, particularly tricycles and mini buses, adding that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in collaboration with the state Police Command would ensure safety of lives in the area.

“Security operatives are hereby put on red alert to ensure safety and security of life and property in Lagos Island and environs,” Fayinka stated.

Iyaloja of Lagos Island, Alhaja Risikat Odumosu, who commended the government for the intervention, expressed concern at the looting and destruction of goods in shops around Idumota area and pleaded for government’s assistance, adding that they would not stand and watch their property destroyed by miscreants.

MEANWHILE, President of NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa, has condemned the killings and attacks among members of the union, as well as the unrest that led to the death of yet-to-be identified persons at Idumota last week.

“The union tenders its unreserved apology to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all Lagos citizens over inconvenience the incident might have caused the state, its law-abiding people and the businesses that suffered ruin,” he said.