17th January, 2011
A founding member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji M. A. Bakare, has urged members of the union in Lagos State to shun the purported directive from the state chapter of the union asking them to deposit their voter’s registration cards with two passport photographs with the union.
Alhaji Bakare, who was the pioneer President of NURTW and Chairman, NURTW Leaders/Elders Forum, Lagos State, described the directive as a gross violation of the civic and constitutional rights of members of the union and a breach of the electoral act.
He implored members, comprising drivers on the wheel, Keke Marwa and NAPEP drivers, Okada riders and motor conductors to go out enmasse and perform their civic duties by registering their names, but abstain from surrendering their cards to anymore.
Speaking with newsmen on the ongoing registration exercise, Alhaji Bakare said: “Don’t mortgage the future of your children, go out and register. Don’t give your cards to anyone, group or association for keep. On the election day, vote for any party of your choice.â€
It was alleged that the leadership of the NURTW had threatened to suspend or dismiss any member who refused to give his registration card to his unit for onward transmission to the NURTW state branch, with two passport photographs.
Bakare maintained that the NURTW constitution recognised the right of any member to vie for any elective political office under any political party, provided such a member formally withdraws his or her membership of the union or apply for leave of absence for such period.
Recently, a member of the union, Chief Alamu Otegbeye also advised all members of the union to shun thuggery as the general elections approach.
He also advised members not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs.
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