By Ola Airenakho
Benin City, Nigeria – National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Yasin has appealed to Governor dams Oshiomhole to remove the ban placed on members of his union from revenue collection at motor parks in Edo state.
Alhaji Yasin made the appeal, while speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor in Benin City, following his inauguration of the Edo State Council of the union, headed by Chief Odion Olaye.
According to him the main objective of the visit was 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 organization’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 what he described as the good works he has done in the state and his masses-oriented programs.
“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, Governor Oshiomhole recalled that members of the NURTW had 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.”
While Oshiomhole assured them that he would ensure that the union doesn’t have any problem in the State, he equally advised them that in seeking to do their union work, they should 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.”
