Planned TUC, RTEAN protest breach of law, say Lagos govt

The Lagos State Government has described the planned protest by the Trade Union Congress over the suspension of the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos Chapter, in motor parks and garages in Lagos State as a breach of the law.

RTEAN was suspended in motor parks and garages in the state as a result of violence and internal strife.

The state government thereafter set up a 35-man ad-hoc Caretaker Committee was to manage the State’s Parks and Garages which were under the control of RTEAN pending resolution of the internal dispute and to stop immediately the violence in  some parts of the State  – in line with the recommendations of the Y2004 White Paper on Transport Union Matters in the State.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso in a statement, said the state government had already appealed the judgment of the National Industrial Court which restated the body.

He said, “Now, the TUC has scheduled a protest for September 25 to force a return of RTEAN to the parks, following a verdict of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

“Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has filed an appeal against this judgment and has a pending application for stay of execution of the said judgement. 

“Therefore, the protest will be in breach of the Rule of Law, which expects both parties to maintain status quo, pending determination of the application for stay of execution and appeal.

“The planned protest is of no need and meant to arm-twist and intimidate the government, considering all the efforts being made to resolve the matter amicably.

“TUC/RTEAN should embrace dialogue. It is better and safer for our economic and social well-being.”