Ogun warns NURTW against breakdown of Law and Order

The Ogun State Government at the weekend warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) against any move that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

The government said it would not fold its arms and allow the peaceful atmosphere existing in the state to be threatened by any group.

The government’s position was in reaction to an alleged plan by some members of NURTW operating in Ijebu Ode to challenge the decisions of the established leadership of the Union in the state and, in the process, embarked on a protest to drive home their position.

Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, in a statement, warned the union members that the state government would not hesitate to restrict the activities of the union in public spaces if there is any attempt to breach the peace.

The statement said: “It has come to the attention of the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation that some members of NURTW operating in Ijebu Ode are challenging the decisions of the established NURTW leadership in the state.

“Further to the above, it is reported that disaffected members propose to resort to violence as a means of demonstrating their grievances.

“This bulletin is to notify and remind NURTW and its members of their corporate and personal/individual duty to conduct corporate and personal activities strictly within the ambit of the laws, rules, and regulations that the Constitution of Nigeria demands.

“NURTW and its members are therefore put on notice that the government of Ogun State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, would not tolerate any disturbance of the peace in Ogun State so painstakingly achieved and sustained throughout the life of this administration.

“The leadership and members of NURTW are enjoined to fully operationalize the constitution of the union and transparently activate the dispute resolution clauses and schedules contained therein as appropriate, and to avoid any action(s) that may endanger lives and property in our dear state.

“Finally, this message serves as a reminder to all stakeholders that parks and garages in Ogun State are public assets for the safe and secure use of all members of the public and not a preserve of third parties, and that, in the wider interest of the public, the government will not hesitate to restrict the activities of unions in public spaces if public safety and/or security is adjudged at risk.”

In the same vein, the Ogun State All Progressives Congress Youth Leaders’ Forum has condemned the recent arrest of the APC Youth Leader in Ijebu Ode, Comrade Babatunde Aremu, labeling it as an unlawful act carried out in a Gestapo-style manner.

The Forum described the arrest and the conduct by unidentified individuals, as a blatant violation of human rights and affront to the rule of law.

The statement jointly signed by its Assistant State Youth Leader, Hon. Sabur Adefolu, and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Timothy Odedina, the Forum expressed outrage over the circumstances surrounding Aremu’s detention and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for his immediate and unconditional release.

The group noted that the 2019 events at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, alleging that youths in the state have been repeatedly targeted through acts of violence and intimidation.

The APC Youth Leaders’ Forum reiterated its support for Governor Dapo Abiodun, commended him as a staunch advocate of youth empowerment and development.