…. Uproar as embattled NURTW boss, Yaro emerges Chairman
An indication that struggle for survival and power may further escalate security in the state has emerged as a new transport union has been created with government backing to manage Garrages and parks along exisisting unions in the state.
It was gathered that Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun had through the Ministry of Transportation approved Ogun Station Management Services (OSMOS) to join existing transport unions to run the affairs of park and garages across the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo in a letter signed by the Director for Public Transport and Commuter services, Engr. O.B.A Shokunbi approved Mustapha Adewale known as Yaro as the chairman of the union.
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Yaro, it will be recalled had been on the loggerhead with the leadership of Ogun state Park and Garages led by Alhaji Akeem Bodunrin Iyeru.
In the letter dated August 30, 2022 a copy sighted by our reporter the ministry said, “I am delighted to inform you that, subject to a satisfactorily executed agreement, Alh. Mustapha Ismaila Yaro, the Chairman OSOMS, has the approval of the Ministry of Transportation to join subsisting approved unions, associations and organizations in the conduct of parks operations and activities across Ogun state.
“Please note that, the qualification as an Ogun State transport sector service provider and stakeholder comes with a number of responsibilities and expectations, and therefore, this approval is subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions….”
Stakeholders, however, viewed the governor’s action as what could cause leadership tussle and crisis in the transport union of the state.
Many who spoke with our reporter described the approval of the new transport union as an attempt by the governor “to use all available resources in ensuring his victory in 2023”.
Many who faulted the approval, accused the governor of trying to bringing leadership tussle that could lead to bloodshed among the transport union in the state.
Some described the approval by the governor as “desperation move”.
A public analyst, Kolade Adeoluwa insisted that the state does not need to approve the establishment of another transport union with the additional two already handling the affairs of the transport in the state.
Adeoluwa said the approval is an alleged plan by the governor to have grip of criminals that could make election rigging easier for him.
Adewale Adefemi, a transport expert also condemned the approval of new union.
He said, “It is obvious that the governor does not like as this state is in peace. The governor is just looking for every means to ensure his victory.
“Having another transport union headed by someone that has been giving the state problem for over two years as Chairman shows how desperate the governor is.
“If care is not taken, there will be bloodshed in the state because those other unions won’t give them chance to operate. It is really not a good decision from the supposed chief security officer of our dear state.”
Meanwhile, the Press Officer of the Ministry, Mrs. Yemisi Onanuga confirmed the letter emanated from the ministry, stressing that, the move was to strengthen the relationship among transport unions in the state.
Since the inception of the current fourth republic,transport union has been used as means of securing power among the political parties especially in the South West part of the country.
Since transport union command a sizeable followership,they formed the bulk ward of foot soldiers used by politicians before and during elections to get support among the masses.
In most cases they turn into violent groups as internal struggle for leadership among them is always associated with violence considering the revenue realized by their leadership apart from financial support by parties in power.
Source:Encounter
