There are indications that the Lagos State Government may take over the control of the transport workers’ activities in the state.
This is based on the stand of the House of Assembly, okaying the takeover by the Lagos Parks Management Authority, over the crisis engulfing the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
The state body led by Musiliu Akinsanya has announced leaving the national after he was suspended for what the latter called insubordination and anti-union moves.
Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale, who made the position of the Assembly known, said the legislative arm had been very proactive as it already passed a law creating the Lagos State Parking Authority, which should now oversee activities at all the parks in the State.
“The House is fully aware of developments in the transportation union and now that the crisis has resulted in the banning of NURTW activities in Lagos, it is clear to state that all parks, garages and parking activities will be under the Lagos State Parking Authority as stipulated by law,” he said.
“At the stage the NURTW has found itself, the State has to take charge of the situation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
“By law, the state’s Parking Authority has a General Manager on whose shoulders the responsibility now falls to manage the parks at the moment.
“The law approves a General Manager for the Parking Authority. Lagosians should be calm. The situation is under control as the government takes necessary actions,” he added in a statement.
Earlier, the Sanwo-Olu government had announced the suspension of the NURTW’s activities after Oluomo called for it.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor said, “After considering the provisions of the law, the Government hereby suspends the activities of NURTW, which must cease to operate in all parks and garages in Lagos State.
“The Government will set up a Committee to immediately take control of the parks and garages. Members of the committee will be key stakeholders in the sector.
“The Government’s position is premised on its responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.”
The government has, however, said that contrary to rumours, it has not appointed Oluomo as the Parks Manager.
