The Ondo State Government said the inauguration of a 21-man Motor Park Management Committee was a temporary measure toward resolving the crisis rocking the state National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Wednesday in Akure.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government on Monday suspended the union and inaugurated a 21-man motor park committee led by the former state chairman of the union, Jacob Adebo.
The state government said the unending crisis and litigation in court involving the union called for a new committee.
Ojogo said that the committee was not to place any of the ‘waring’ groups above another, but as a responsible government, it must ensure the smooth running of the parks.
The commissioner noted that the government had not abandoned nor neglected the NURTW activities in the state, but was discussing with different groups in the union on how to end the various court cases.
“We took that decision in the best interest of the state, particularly the need that government needs to be responsive. It is not the first time we have this kind of situation.
“For stakeholders in the transport sector to know, we don’t have the intention to withdraw the parks from the NURTW permanently.
“It’s not meant to pitch the groups at each other because the state goverment remains unbiased, and does not intend to subjugate one group above another.
“The temporary measure is to meander our way through. It is not to erode the functions of the NURTW and those put at the helms of this park should not see it as a permanent arrangement.
“We have put up a strong mechanism for continuous dialogue untill the last day that this matter is resolved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the commissioner said the SEC ratified the appointment of Chief Victor Olusegun, as the Onipele-elect of Ipele in Owo Local Government, saying that the stool became vacant in 2015.
Ojogo said the council also ratified the appointment of 12 warrant chiefs to begin the selection of the Olufon of Ifon in Ose Local Government. (NAN)
