NURTW boss begs Oshiomhole over members’ ban
By Eranga Isaac
National
President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW),
Alhaji Najeem Yasin has appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to remove
the ban placed on members of his union from revenue collection at motor
parks in the state.
Speaking
during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Benin City, after
inaugurating the Edo State Council of the NURTW chaired by Chief Odion
Olaye, Alhaji Yasin said “the main objective of our presence in Edo
State is to formally conduct the reconstitution of Edo State Council of
the union, which could not hold for almost one year due to circumstances
beyond the control of the union’s national secretariat.
“We
want to use this medium to express our desire to solicit for a review
of government’s position with respect to our union’s operations in the
State. As a follow up to our numerous appeals regarding this matter, we
deem it absolutely necessary to once again personally meet Your
Excellency in order to apologize on behalf of our teeming members in the
State and to crave your indulgence to reconsider and remove the
restrictions that interrupted our motor park operations.
“We
urge and appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to remove
these restrictions placed on our union as soon as possible so that we
can assist in the area of revenue drive that could supplement shortfalls
from federal allocations to local councils.”
He commended the Governor for the good works he has done in the state and his masses-oriented programmes.
“We
commend your administration for adopting various strategies that target
the welfare of the good people of Edo State including the working class
and addressing infrastructure deficit in such vital areas like roads,
transportation, health, education and security.
“While
congratulating your good self on these amazing achievements recorded by
Your Excellency within the last seven years, we wish to emphasize that
these commendable achievements have indeed demonstrated what hard work
and commitment can produce and we wish you the best of luck during your
remaining tenure in office and beyond.”
In
his response, the Governor recalled that members of the NURTW have
always been his strong supporters and one of the strongest affiliates of
the NLC.
“The
National Union of Road Transport Workers gave me all the support at
least at the national level, not just moral support, even financial
support. And as President of the NLC, I had the strong bond between the
NLC under my leadership and the Road Transport leadership being one of
the most strategic outfits of the NLC.
“I want to appreciate you for
remaining one of the most consistent and loyal outfits of the Nigeria
Labour Congress. I am happy that in all the controversies, and the very
unfortunate ones around the NLC, your union has been on the straight
path, and I urge you to continue to do that.
Oshiomhole
told them, “I will ensure your union doesn’t have any problem in the
State. In seeking to do your union work, you have to be sensitive to the
interest of the ordinary man on the street, he already carries a lot of
burden; so, you must find your way to do your business without doing
too much burden on the guy who is already overburdened. My appeal to you
is that whatever challenges you face, I am here. I am very proud to be
part of this movement. I cannot be here and supervise the liquidation of
an arm of the Nigeria Labour Congress.”
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