By Erharuyi A. Joe
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has lifted ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the State and charged the Executive of the Union to bring peace, progress, orderliness and protection of the rights of residents in the State.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, consequent upon the lifted ban, the Union has elected its Executive members, who will pilot its affairs for the next four years in the State.
The new Executive which is led by Comrade Saturday Oamen, was inaugurated at the Government House in Benin City. At the Inauguration, the Executive was charged on peace and progress by His Excellency, Governor Okpebholo, the National President of NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, AKA MC Oluomo, amongst other National officers of the Union.
The inauguration of the new Executive was performed on behalf of the National Headquarters by the National Secretary of the Union, Comrade Kayode Agbeyana, who administered the Oath of Office on the newly elected State Council officials for a four-year tenure.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Governor appreciation the Union for the support given to him during the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election, hence the lifting of the ban to enable the Union contribute to the development of the State.
The Governor said the NURTW as an arm of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), represents the interests of Edo people and promised that his administration has resolved to bring peace, progress and orderliness to the Union in the State.
He noted that with hundreds of thousands of members of the Union across the Country, the Edo State Government is comfortable with its National Leadership under Alh. Akinsanya, describing him as a man who will bring peace to the State branch of the Union.
He added that with the support of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Edo will witness lots of dividends of democracy which were denied the people by the immediate past administration in the State.
Alh. Akinsanya in his charge, urged the new Edo State NURTW Chairman, Comrade Oamen to carry every member along and ensure peace in all branches across the eighteen local government areas of the State Chapter. He emphasised that keeping in touch with members will guarantee his success in the next four years.
Comrade Agbeyana noted that despite the disarray which previously affected the Union’s activities, the State Governor lifted the ban on the activities of the Union to enable their swearing-in to bring peace and progress to the State’s Transport Sector.
The Edo State Ag. Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bernard Joman said the inauguration attests to the rescue of the NURTW in the State, after over twenty years of hijack by previous leaderships of the Union.
“For over 20 years now, one person has been the Chairman of this Union but the performing Governor of Edo State came and rescue the Union and the people of Edo State. On behalf of NLC we thank the Governor for his move to restore the Union back to its former glory by ensuring that the right thing is done.” Comrade Joman concluded.
