KWSG Sues for Peace, Urges Transport Unions to Embrace Dialogue, Mutual Respect

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The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes among transport unions, urging all parties to embrace dialogue and mutual respect in the interest of peace, stability and economic development in the state.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, gave the charge during an intervention and reconciliation meeting convened to resolve the ongoing disagreement between the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and other transport unions in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin on Friday, the Commissioner expressed concern over the conduct of some NARTO members in recent weeks, describing their actions as uncalled for.

He stressed that, despite the frivolous nature of the matter, the Ministry, in line with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s people-centred policies, would continue to prioritise humanity and fairness to prevent any disruption of peace or economic hardship for affected members of NARTO, who are also residents of the state.

Korasabi urged the union leaders to constitute a committee, to be coordinated by the Ministry of Justice, to work towards an amicable resolution of the matter. 

He added that their legal representatives should provide the necessary guidance and support within a tenable legal framework, without interfering with ongoing court proceedings.

He, however, directed the release of the impounded motorcycles to the NARTO leadership following a unanimous agreement reached by the other union leaders, legal counsel and stakeholders present at the meeting. 

The decision, he said, was intended to enable the affected members to resume their businesses and earn their daily livelihoods.

Earlier, in their separate submissions, the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Abdulrasaq Ariwoola, and his counterpart in the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Alhaji AbdulRahman Onikijipa, maintained that NARTO had not operated tricycles in the state before the matter became subject to litigation.

They, however, agreed to abide by the government’s directive to resolve the dispute amicably with NARTO, stressing their readiness to obey the law and work with existing recognised unions to maintain peace and promote progress in the state.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, reiterated the court’s interim pronouncement that the maintenance of the status quo should not be misconstrued. 

He explained that all parties to the suit were expected to continue operating within the activities for which they were known and legally permitted to engage in, pending the final judgment of the court.

He said that, ordinarily, if the government had chosen to take a firm position on the matter, there would have been little room for dialogue at this stage of the case. 

However, in view of the Commissioner’s magnanimity and concern for the livelihood of NARTO members who depend on the transport business, he urged the parties to expedite action towards resolving the dispute.

Also speaking, the Head of Department, Labour, Kwara State Directorate, Adedayo Segun, disclosed that there was no legal document qualifying NARTO or permitting it to operate tricycles within the State.

He stated that the instance of registering the Association before the commencement of operation was never extended to tricycles, hence the recent operation of the same by NARTO became illegal, unrecognised and punishable under the law, unless it aligns with other well-established unions or is otherwise proven by a court of law.

Also present at the meeting were the representative of the State Commissioner of Police, DCP Ladi Sulyman, representative of the DSS, Khadijat Aremu; Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply of the Ministry, Mallam Tajudeen Onikoko, Director Transport Planning and Coordination, Engr. Bamidele Michael, Director Mechanical Services, Engr. Olayinka Busari; State Legal Counsels, Yusuf M.O., and other management staff of the Ministry.

Others present included the Vice Chairman, NARTO, Alh. Abdullahi Atere; Assistant State Secretary, TOAN, Adebisi Sakiru; the unions' legal counsels; and other executive members of the transport unions.

Alabere Ahmed Babatunde
Press Secretary
Kwara State Ministry of Transportation
08184396243

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