The Chairman, Oyo state Tradesmen and Artisans, Alhaji Hamzat Kolayode has appealed to the contending factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, headed by the acting chairman in the state, Alhaji Abideen Olajide Ejiogbe and a former acting chairman of the union, Alhaji Lamidi Mukaila to eschew violence and ensure smooth transition of power between the two camps in the state.
Alhaji Kolayode made this known when he led members of the state executive of the union on a solidarity visit to Alhaji Mukaila at his office, Alakia, Ibadan.
In the last few weeks, tension have risen among the rank and file of the union in the state following the preparation of Alhaji Mukaila’s camp to assume the leadership of the union in the state following the victory of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in the March 9 gubernatorial election in the state.
Meanwhile, the current acting chairman of the union, Alhaji Bideen Olajide, a.k.a Ejiogbe, who succeeded the late chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, a.k.a Fele, following his death last year, has asserted that the tenure of the current state executive lapses in October.
Kolayode during a visit to Alhaji Lamidi said the two strong men of the union should explore all available means of peaceful transition as being practiced in the union to resolve the leadership tussle amicably and not jeopardise the peace which had been in existence in the state in the last seven years.
He said “I urge Alhaji Abideen Olajide Ejiogbe to in his capacity not to allow him being used to causing a crisis within the union in the state. NURTW has its own methodology and ways of operation which is known to every member of the union, even beyond the shores of the state. I am appealing to him not to heat up the polity, though he should consult in the spirit of oneness and take the part of honour.”
Also appealing to Alhaji Mukaila, Kolayode thank him for his patience over the matter and counsel that he should prevail on his camp to exhibit caution and allow peace reign while the transition lapses.
“I want to appreciate Alhaji Mukaila for his understanding and calmness over the issue. All of you in the union knows your operations and we appeal to you to implement it without causing trouble in the state, Oyo state has known and experiences peace when NURTW issue is concerned, we are appealing to you not to allow things go awry again.
” If what you said about your operation is what is actually the practice, we appeal that you do it in a mature way that won’t cause restlessness in the state. One of the things enjoyed by the residents of this state in the last few years is peace, kindly ensure that peace is sustained in whatever circumstances,” Kolayode stated.
Also, another stalwart on the occasion, Alhaji Ahmed Raheem, a.k.a Lagansh admonished the two camps to ensure sustenance of peace in the state.
In his response, Alhaji Mukaila thanked the artisans for their support and solidarity but was quick to say that there is nothing to warrant panic ahead of the new administration of NURTW in the state.
He stated that the change of guard in the union in the state will not affect the peace of the state in whatever capacity, assuring that the incoming administration will dance their way to office when the time comes.
