ALGON suspends transport unions’ activities in Osun motor parks

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, on Monday suspended the activities of all transport unions in public motor parks across the state with immediate effect following recurring insecurity in the parks.

The association also urged the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts to arrest the factional chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nurudeen Alowonle, and all other persons allegedly involved in the recent killings, saying justice must be served and lasting peace restored.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Monday, the ALGON Vice Chairman, Hon. Lanre Balogun, said motor parks and garages had become flashpoints for incessant violence and killings, alleging that the leadership crisis within the NURTW had been accompanied by criminal activities that now threaten commuters, transport operators and members of the public.

“Our motor parks have gradually become criminal hideouts and are no longer safe for members of the public. Consequently, people are beginning to lose confidence in the park and garage system, which remains the primary means of transportation across the state,” he said.

The association maintained that the administration and management of public motor parks are constitutional responsibilities of local government councils. It cited Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended), saying the provision empowers local governments to regulate motor parks, maintain order, reduce violence and enhance internally generated revenue.

Balogun, who is also the Chairman of Ilesa East Local Government, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of placing political considerations above public safety, saying the elected All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen could not fold their arms and allow facilities under their lawful authority to become threats to peace and security.

He added that the local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community representatives before announcing the next line of action.

“We strongly believe these measures will restore sanity to our motor parks and garages and guarantee the safety and security of the people of Osun State,” Balogun said.