Police hold  talks with unions

From Akinnodi Francis,  Ore
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The Ore Police Area Commander, ASP Olusegun Ajamolaya has restated his commitment to ensure security of lives and properties of the people of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The police boss made this known yesterday during a peace meeting held between members of National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, (RTEAN) at the Nigeria Police Area Command Headquarters in Ore.

He explained that a peaceful environment attracts development from both government and private individuals, saying he remained committed to  improving the peaceful coexistence in the local government and state in general.

According to him, by constitution, everyone has right to join any legal union or association joining a union should not be by force. Both NURTW and RTEAN operate same industry. So they should be united.

“Anybody is free to join any union without any clash. Do not let the politics in your unions affect the  peace of the community.

“I can tell you that the crisis between the two unions is caused by selfishness and greed but despite all these, please let peace be your watchword and respect due process.

“I want peace in Ore and its environs. Every member must be law abiding. Do not drag security operatives into your crisis,” he said.

He urged the leaders of the unions to brainstorm and settle the crisis amicably and give peace and progress chance in the unions.

“I want all leaders to sit on the round table and settle this problem once and for all. You should all see the unions as everybody’s business, not a personal business.

“There must be  a structure. Because the leaders encourage crisis, their followers  get involved in the act and by so doing, disturb the peace in the society.

“The leaders should know the total number of  parks in the council area and agree to share them accordingly to  allow unity and progress,” the  Commander said.

He,  however, appealed to each member  of the unions not to involve in any act capable of disrupting the peace in Ore,  saying,  anyone found wanting will  face the consequence.

State chairman of RTEAN, Prince Williams Adepoju said the union is a peace loving association without any government influence.

He urged his members in Ore and in the state generally  to be their brothers keeper and always hold and respect the union’s constitution.

Adepoju assured the police of RTEAN readiness and cooperation to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

Others at the peace meeting include the state RTEAN deputy chairman, Mr. Adewale Bolariwa and all members of  RTEAN as well as NURTW branch chairmen and members.