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Tricycle union seeks smooth operation in Lagos

By By Gloria Ehiaghe
15 November 2018   |   3:30 am
The Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to address the disruptions of its operations. Those accused include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and its affiliate, Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), Road Transport Employees Association (RTEAN), and the Tricycle Owners…

The Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to address the disruptions of its operations.

Those accused include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and its affiliate, Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN), Road Transport Employees Association (RTEAN), and the Tricycle Owners and Drivers Association of Lagos (TODAL).

TOAN, a registered trade union organisation argued that it has had a running battle with members of the NURTW because of its decision to operate independently, and continually had its operations disrupted even with a judgment ruled in its favour by the National Industrial Court.

The Acting Chairman, Lagos State Council of TOAN, Tunji Oyeniyi, in a statement obtained by The Guardian, said the bodies in collaboration with some government officials, ministries and with the assistance of the Police and other security agencies, have taken over all its parks and operational base in the state through forceful invasion, attacks, brutalisation and daily threats to lives of its members.

He said not granting TOAN the autonomy to co-exist with other unions peacefully is a threat to industrial harmony and economic growth of the state.

Oyeniyi, who said several efforts had been made to convince the State’s Ministry of Transportation, and Ministry of Establishments and Training to re-issue a ‘Letter of Recognition and approval’ earlier granted on January 13th, 2017, but withdrawn for no reason within three weeks by the Ministry of Transportation.

While calling on the state governor to wade into the injustice, and investigate its present challenges caused by the ministry as well as punish offenders accordingly. The TOAN chairman said: “The dehumanisation and loss of means of livelihood through the unjustified illegal actions carried out by these group on us is an abuse of our fundamental rights to carry out our economic activities.

“We wish to reinstate those past and recent activities of the law enforcement agencies where cases of threats and brutalisation were reported and actions not taken are a confirmation to our claim. Insider’s account revealed that there is a serious conspiracy going on against us. What else can we say, if a judgment has been given and we have our Certificate of registration yet cannot operate?

“It is noteworthy, that they conspired with the police state commands, Federal SARS, Area Commands and Divisional Police Stations to clampdown on our members all over the state. They have used the Police mostly to invade and take over our parks. In fact, many of our members are currently standing trials and prosecution in many courts in the state for offences they never committed in other to get back at us.”

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