On Thursday, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State announced its decision to refrain from participating in the nationwide protests scheduled from August 1st to 10th, 2024, which are set to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Union has urged its members to avoid being exploited by protesters voicing their discontent over worsening economic conditions, rising prices of essentials, and fuel costs.
Additionally, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on both union members and state residents to stay away from the protest against President Tinubu. During a peace meeting on Thursday, NURTW Chairman Comrade Ademola Odudu emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment for development.
The meeting, arranged by Governor Aiyedatiwa to rally support for the Tinubu administration, saw attendance from three former NURTW chairmen: Oba Solomon Adejayan, Chief Oladutele Obayoriade, and Comrade Jacob Adebo Idajo.
Comrade Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser on Union Matters, conveyed that while peaceful protests are generally acceptable, the upcoming demonstration appears to be aimed at causing harm to lives and property, citing recent unrest in Kenya and the EndSars protest as examples.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed the need to prevent any disruptions in the state, stating, “We want to avoid any chaos in Ondo State. It’s crucial that we do not participate in any protests here; our priority is peace for Ondo State and the South West.
The EndSars protest caused significant property damage, and the situation in Kenya is alarming. This is why we are urging NURTW members to refrain from supporting such actions.”
Bola Taiwo added, “The Governor has instructed that no protests leading to violence should take place in the state. We urge everyone to avoid joining the planned demonstration.”
Chairman Ademola Odudu also declared, “We have directed our members not to engage in any protests that could lead to disorder.
We are not troublemakers; we are responsible citizens. This protest threatens to destabilize our government, which we do not support. We believe it is aimed at undermining President Tinubu’s administration.”
Odudu further warned, “Any NURTW member who participates in this protest will face disciplinary action.”
The upcoming protest, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, has gained momentum on social media, trending under the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
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