Shun Thuggery; NURTW Chieftain Urges Members
A chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Chief Alamu Otegbeye has urged members to shun thuggery as the general elections approach.
He also called on them to go out and register during the registration exercise.
Otegbeye gave the advice while being interviewed by newsmen in Lagos on Monday on the state of the nation.
Advising members not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs during the elections, Chief Otegbeye also commended the leadership qualities of the new President of the NURTW, Alhaji Nojeem Yassin and prayed to God to give him (Yassin) the wisdom and long life to pilot the affairs of the union and redeem its image.
Rejoicing with the NURTW members for witnessing the new year, Otegbeye said: “I implore all our members, including the drivers on the wheel, Keke Marwa and NAPEP drivers, Okada riders and conductors, not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs. Go out and perform your civic responsibilities by registering your names and vote for any political party of your choice. People have been accusing our members of causing mayhem during elections, prove them wrong and show the whole world that we are responsible.â€
He also commended the Federal Government for lifting the ban placed on importation of vehicles that had been manufactured for over 10 years, describing the policy as a good omen for members of the NURTW, who had no financial means to buy new vehicles.
Responding to a question on whether a serving member of the union could hold political office, he quoted a section of the NURTW constitution, which said such a member should formally withdraw his membership of the union.
The section says: “Any officer(s) of the union or member(s) who wish to vie for any elective political office under any political party shall be allowed to do so, provided that such a member(s) shall formally withdraw his or her membership of the union or apply for leave of absence for such period as he or she will be absent from the activities of the union.â€
Otegbeye also called on well meaning Nigerians to reach out to the needy and motherless children especially at this time of celebration.
He explained that the children at the various orphanages in Lagos needed the assistance of privilege Nigerians to go through life at this difficult moment.
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