A former state officer of Nigeria's National Union of Road Transport Workers, Ayowole Micheal Faniyan, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to intervene in the ongoing leadership crisis within the Osun State chapter of the union. Faniyan, also known as Aluwaye, believes the NLC should take control of the union and establish a statutory electoral body to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. This, he argues, will help curb the leadership violence plaguing the NURTW in Nigeria.
Faniyan, who previously served as chairman of the NURTW in Ilesa West and East local governments, highlighted the contrast between past and present union practices. In his tenure, which ended in 2007, elections were conducted peacefully, with winners embracing losers and celebrating together. However, he notes that politicians have increasingly taken over the union, using members as political thugs. This has led to violent takeovers of garage leadership, often involving guns and cutlasses, rather than organized elections.
The former chairman commended past national leaders of the union, including Alhaji Nashiru Komolafe, Alhaji Moshood Ajao, Alhaji Azeez Aruna Bundle Owo, Mr. Joseph Awoniyi, and Baba Suuru, for their efforts in ensuring members' welfare and passenger safety. Faniyan called on the current NURTW leadership and members to shun politicians' influence and work towards restoring the union's glory. He emphasized the dangers of allowing politicians to turn union members into instruments for winning elections.
Faniyan's call for intervention comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the leadership crisis on the union and its members. The crisis has led to violent clashes and a breakdown in the democratic process within the union. By advocating for NLC intervention, Faniyan aims to restore peace and stability to the Osun State chapter of the NURTW.
The NLC has not publicly responded to Faniyan's appeal, but the union's intervention could potentially help resolve the crisis. The establishment of a statutory electoral body, as proposed by Faniyan, could provide a framework for conducting free and fair elections. This, in turn, may help reduce the influence of politicians and promote a more peaceful and democratic process within the union.
The leadership crisis within the NURTW has significant implications for the transport sector in Nigeria. The union plays a crucial role in regulating the activities of road transport workers, and instability within the union can have far-reaching consequences. Faniyan's appeal highlights the need for urgent action to address the crisis and restore stability to the union.
The outcome of Faniyan's appeal and the potential intervention by the NLC will be closely watched by stakeholders within the transport sector. The situation underscores the challenges faced by trade unions in Nigeria and the need for effective leadership and democratic processes.
Key points
- The NURTW leadership crisis may require external intervention to resolve.
- The establishment of a statutory electoral body could help promote free and fair elections within the union.
- The influence of politicians within the union has contributed to the ongoing crisis.
