FG resolves Lagos govt, RTEAN 15-month-old crisis

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

The Federal Government has resolved the crisis between the Lagos State government and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, (RTEAN)

It was gathered that the peace move was brokered by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu during a meeting with the leadership of the organised labour.

For 15 months, the activities of the RTEAN were banned in Lagos State after the leadership crisis that engulfed the association.

This led the government to slam a ban on the association and subsequently appointed a 35-man caretaker committee to take over the activities of the union.

However, the intervention of the Office of the National Security Adviser has now brought an amicable resolution of all issues in dispute.

RTEAN General-Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Ibrahim Adeniyi, in a statement on yesterday, said certain resolutions were reached during the meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour that led to the end to the crisis.

According to him, the contentious issue of RTEAN leadership has been laid to rest with the unanimous appointment of comrade Adesina Teslim Hussaini also known as Okolomo as the new state chairman of RTEAN Lagos State effective from 1st January, 2024.

He said it was also agreed that all properties hitherto taken away from the union would be returned, adding that operation of RTEAN in all motor parks in Lagos state was to resume with immediate effect.

“No member of RTEAN will be victimised by the union or Lagos State government for their role in the dispute,” he added.

Adeniyi called on RTEAN members to comply with the peaceful resolution reached and cooperate with the government and security agencies in discharging their duties.

Reacting, President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, announced the dissolution of the union’s former structure of Lagos State Executives Council members and adopted the appointment of Okolomo as the authentic chairman of Lagos State branch of the union.

According to him, members who were suspended in the cause of the matter had been recalled in the interest of peace and harmony in the state.

On his part, Okolomo commended President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Ribadu and Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for their roles in resolving the dispute.