Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) in Oyo State, says he is not involved in the current crisis within the union in the state.
Akinsola told newsmen in Ibadan on Sunday that the speculation that he was the behind the recent clash between members of NURTW and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) was false.
” I am the legal chairman of NURTW in the state. How can I instigate a crisis against it?
“I have court judgements from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that affirmed me as the chairman.
“The judgment has not been implemented, ” Akinsola, popularly known as Tokyo, said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was speculation that Akinsola was now a member of RTEAN and sponsoring the association against NURTW
Akinsola also said that RTEAN was not an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) like the NURTW, adding that the union has its base at the motor parks.
“ The NURTW and RTEAN cannot work together because there will be unrest at the parks, ” he said.
He implored Gov. Abiola Ajimobi to allow the rule of law prevail in the NURTW, saying the perception that he was always involved in crisis was wrong.
” I drove buses for almost 17 years without an accident and I have never killed anyone.
“I am a peace-loving and law abiding citizen. I never drank alcohol and I do not smoke.
“No death was recorded under my truncated administration as chairman.
“Those that engage in crisis are now at Agodi,” he said.
Akinsola said that he was ready to sign an undertaking to ensure peace in the union.
He commended the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Leye Oyebade, on his efforts at tackling crime in the state.(NAN)