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By Steve Agbota
In a disturbing development within the maritime industry, the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has denied allegations raised by the President of the Committee of Maritime Trucking Unions and Associations (COMTUA), Mr. Yinka Aroyewun, to discredit agencies in the maritime industry and some prominet Nigerians.
NAMTOP accused Aroyewun of engaging in a pattern of blackmail and making false accusations against prominent figures and entities both within and outside the industry.
In a statement issued and made available to newsmen by NAMTOP and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Yakub Kolawole, the maritime trucker association debunked the allegations raised by Aroyewun against agencies in the maritime sector and other political office holders, saying they are baseless and lacking substantial evidence.
NAMTOP lamented that Aroyewun attempted to tarnish the image of various entities, including; the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian, Shippers’ Council, Ports Standing Task Team (TTP), APC State Party Chairman Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, Sola Giwa, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, and Mr. Olaleye Thompson, among others, adding that these entities and individuals have vehemently denied the veracity of the claims leveled against them.
NAMTOP asserted that , “Aroyewun failed to provide substantiated evidence for his accusations and instead resorted to a media-driven campaign aimed at defaming his perceived adversaries. It said the calumny war tactic not only lacked credibility but has also raised concerns about his motives and credibility.”
According to the statement, NAMTOP clarified that COMTUA, an adhoc committee, ceased to exist following the Federal Government’s dissolution of the Presidential Task Team on Apapa/Tincan Ports in 2020.
The association said since then, major trucking unions and associations involved with COMTUA have severed ties with the them.
“In addition to this complexity, Aroyewun’s creation of a parallel NAMTOP faction with Mr. Moshood Olaitan Adisa as its Chairman, has been met with skepticism. The statement further explained that this faction lacks support from the majority of truckers, notable elders, and key players in the maritime trucking industry,’’.
NAMTOP said the legitimate NAMTOP, led by Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, has received widespread endorsement from industry stakeholders.
The trucking association urged industry members and the public to exercise caution and disregard Aroyewun’s alleged smear campaign, adding that doubts have been cast on his legitimacy and authority to represent the interests of truckers and key players within the maritime trucking sector.
