The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has firmly advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to refrain from interfering in its internal grievances. Mr. Kayode Agbeyangi, the Acting General Secretary of the union, made this plea during his address at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Agbeyangi alleged that the recent eruption of violence at the National Secretariat of the union was instigated by the NLC’s interference, driven by self-interest. He likened the NLC’s involvement to that of an overzealous sympathizer who shows excessive concern for a tragedy that befalls another person.
“The NLC took a one-sided decision that further endangered our efforts to unite all factions and propel the union forward,” Agbeyangi stated. “It is disheartening and regrettable that the umbrella body of workers, which is expected to safeguard the welfare and rights of all workers, has transformed itself into an instrument for violence and favoritism.”
He also raised concerns about the NLC’s flagrant infringement of the union’s constitutional provisions by attempting to impose the former President, Alh. Tajudeen Baruwa, on the union, despite his tenure expiring on August 28th.
Agbeyangi further urged Joe Ajaero, the leader of the NLC, to put aside their biases and ethnic sentiments towards the former General Secretary, who happens to be of the same ethnic background. He also implored him to desist from further blackmail attempts in their desperate pursuit to legitimize illegality.
“At this critical time, the congress should, without hostility, support the ongoing process of organizing a statutory National Delegates’ Conference of the NURTW in accordance with the union’s constitution,” Agbeyangi remarked.
Additionally, Agbeyangi confirmed that the NLC and other relevant agencies have been officially notified through written correspondences regarding the various resolutions reached at different levels within the union.
He emphasized the union’s expectation that the NLC respects the determination of the NURTW to ensure the emergence of a democratically elected national leadership at the upcoming Quadrennial Delegates Conference.
“We trust that the congress will display enough integrity to support a peaceful process and align with the established legal framework and international standards that govern labor relations, something the congress claims to uphold for the sake of fostering industrial harmony in the union and Nigeria as a whole,” Agbeyangi added.
Finally, he appealed to the NLC, emphasizing the significance of peace, justice, and fair play, and advised them to allow the Board of Trustees of the union, as outlined in its constitution, to address and resolve internal crises.