Auto journalists commend Sanwo-Olu over RTEAN ban

By Chisom Nwatu

…As 35-man committee takes charge

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), the umbrella association of automotive reporters, has commended the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his swift action in suspending all activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the state following the recent restiveness between rival members of the group in Iyana-Iba, Ojo and Lagos Island areas of the state.

Mike Ochonma, chairman of NAJA, made the commendation in a press statement he issued to newsmen few hours after the announcement of the ban on the activities of RTEAN.

The chairman of NAJA stated that, the ban by his excellency, the executive governor of Lagos state became imperative to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the state. He called for more restraint and caution from RTEAN members and allow the state government take necessary steps that will not only restore peace and decorum from the association, but more impotantly guarantee the security of lives of defenseless Lagos commuters going about their normal businesses

Recall that, last week Thursday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu issued a statement through the special adviser to the governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa announcing the suspension with immediate effect.

He noted that the suspension has become imperative following some pockets of violence recorded in Ojo and Lagos Island on Wednesday, adding that a 35-man caretaker committee has been constituted to take over activities of the union henceforth.  Heading the committee is Sulaiman Adeshina Raji with Bamgbose Oluseyi as deputy chairman.

“In a bid to fulfill one of the cardinal objectives of the T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda of the present administration in Lagos State as it relates to Security and Good Governance, under Traffic Management and Transportation, the Lagos state government has suspended all activities of RTEAN with immediate effect,” Giwa said.

Last week Wednesday, two persons were feared killed during a clash involving factional members of RTEAN in the Iyana-Iba and Lagos Island areas of Lagos state.

During the clash on Wednesday, the transport union members were seen in a trending video clip engaging themselves in a free-for-all fight with stones, bottles, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons.