Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajani Owoseni, on Wednesday cautioned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) against acts that would lead to breach of the peace in the state.
Owoseni, in a message to an emergency State Executive Council meeting of the state Chapter of the NURTW, said the police would not tolerate any form of hooliganism.
The meeting followed rumours of the dissolution of the state chapter by the NURTW National Executive Committee.
The commissioner, who was represented by Mr Babatunde Kokumo, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, urged the union members to live in peace and support security agencies to rid the state of criminals.
“Unionism is constitutional in Nigeria but hooliganism is not recognised, civil unrest is not also recognised by the three tiers of government as well as the constitution and our laws.
“Don’t do anything that will amount to breach of public peace, ensure that there is peace and tranquility in the society at all times.
“We cannot as police officers arrest all criminals, so to create a peaceful atmosphere, we require your collaboration; NURTW is so important to the Lagos State Police Command.
“I am here for your support; support us to fight crime. Give police 1,000 AK47, it will amount to nothing without you supporting us with information,” he said.
Owoseni said that the union remained a very good intelligence source for the police and solicited for its continued collaboration to rid the state of criminals.
In his message, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Mr Oluseyi Coker, said the ministry would ensure that peace reigns in all transport unions in the state.
Represented by Mr Bola Matanmi, Director, Transport Operations, Coker said, “we stand to ensure that peace reigns in the state transport union, that is the position on which we stand.
“We try to listen to the right and the left to resolve the issues, so whatever you find annoying you, if you cannot tell the council, come over to the ministry of transport. “
Meanwhile, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, state Chairman of NURTW said all branches and units under the union would continue to operate.
“No state council was dissolved. The rumours that all the state councils have been dissolved and that some people have started struggling to be named as chairman and members of caretaker committee is unfounded.
“I am using this opportunity to warn you, my people in Lagos state, to disregard the rumour and those behind it.
“We appeal to all security agencies to be at alert and curb any attempt by disgruntled elements to forment trouble, “ Agbede said.
Agbede, who is also the National Financial Secretary of the union, urged the state Ministry of Transport to always contact the union on any matter affecting transport workers, before taking action.
The rumoured dissolution of all state councils nationwide after the NURTW’s 8th Delegate conference on August 18 in Abuja, had led to power struggle in the state chapter.
