FG resolves RTEAN, Lagos Gov’t 15-month dispute

RTEAN’s Executive National President, Alhaji Musa Mohammed

Union To Resume Activities In Lagos With Immediate Effect

The Federal Government has resolved the crisis between the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Lagos State government. It was gathered that the peace was brokered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during a meeting with the leadership of the organised labour.

Recall that for 15 months, activities of the RTEAN were banned in Lagos State after the leadership crisis that engulfed the association. The crisis forced the state government to ban the association and subsequently appoint a 35-man Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the union.

However, the intervention of the office of the NSA has brought an amicable resolution of all issues in dispute. RTEAN General Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Ibrahim Adeniyi, in a statement yesterday, said certain resolutions were reached during the meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour that led to the end to the crisis.

According to him, the contentious issue of RTEAN leadership has been laid to rest with the unanimous appointment of Adesina Teslim Hussaini also known as Okolomo as the new state chairman of RTEAN, Lagos State, effective from January 1, 2024.

He said it was also agreed that all properties hitherto taken away from the union would be returned, adding that the operation of RTEAN in all motor parks in Lagos State would resume with immediate effect.

“No member of RTEAN will be victimised by the union or Lagos State government for their role in the dispute,” he added. Adeniyi called on RTEAN members to comply with the peaceful resolution and cooperate with the government and security agencies in discharging their duties.

Reacting, President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, announced the dissolution of the union’s Lagos State Executive Council members and the appointment of Okolomo as the authentic chairman of Lagos State branch of RTEAN.

According to him, members who were suspended in the cause of the matter had been recalled for the interest of peace and harmony in the state. On his part, Okolomo commended President Bola Tinubu, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Ribadu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for their roles in resolving the dispute.