The Lagos State Government has cautioned members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) against their planned protest, describing it as a breach of law and order.
TUC, over the weekend has directed its members to mobilise for a one-day protest on Monday, over the suspension of the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos Chapter by the state government in 2022.
A statement by Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso Monday morning, described the protest as a potential breach of the law and an attempt to intimidate and pressure the government, despite ongoing efforts to resolve the matter amicably.
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The statement reads: “The Lagos State Government has noted the plan by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to protest the September, 2022, suspension of the activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Lagos Chapter, in motor parks and garages in Lagos State due to violence and internal strife.
“A 35-man Ad-hoc Caretaker Committee was constituted by the State Government to manage the State’s Parks and Garages under the control of RTEAN pending resolution of the internal dispute and to stop immediately the violence in some parts of the State – in line with the recommendations of the 2004 White Paper on Transport Union Matters in the State.
“Now, the TUC has scheduled a protest for September 25 to force a return of RTEAN to the parks, following a verdict of the National Industrial Court (NIC).
“Meanwhile, the State Government has filed an appeal against this judgment and has a pending application for stay of execution of the said judgment.
“Therefore, the protest will be in breach of the Rule of Law, which expects both parties to maintain status quo, pending determination of the application for stay of execution and appeal.
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“The planned protest is of no need and meant to arm-twist and intimidate the government, considering all the efforts being made to resolve the matter amicably.
“TUC/RTEAN should embrace dialogue. It is better and safer for our economic and social well-being.”