The Lagos State Government has suspended the operations of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in all motor parks around Lagos.

On Thursday, the state government released a statement through Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, citing the government’s responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in Lagos.

“The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW). There have been claims and counterclaims over the control of the union,” the statement reads.

“The Government has a duty to ensure the safety of lives and properties of all Lagosians and visitors. Therefore, there is an urgent need to douse the unnecessary tension generated by the leadership tussle in the NURTW and prevent the citizenry from the likely fallout of the situation.

“After considering the provisions of the law, the Government hereby suspends the activities of NURTW, which must cease to operate in all parks and garages in Lagos State. The Government will set up a committee to immediately take control of the parks and garages. Members of the committee will be key stakeholders in the sector.”

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Comrade Musiliu Akinsanya Ayinde, also known as MC Oluomo, had released a statement asking government to take over motor parks “for peace to reign in Lagos State”. MC Oluomo announced his exit, as well as the removal of the Lagos State Chapter of the NURTW from the national body on Thursday.

“In view of this and the crises at hand, Lagos State Government is hereby invited to consider its white paper on Transport Union activities, 2004 section 5C, which states that the Government should take over the management of any garage where there is a crisis until such is resolved by the consultative committee,” he said.

“We hereby call on Lagos State Government to take over the running of the affairs of the Union with the constitution of a park management committee for motor garages and parks in the State, hereby ensuring peace and tranquility, pending the determination of the matter in the interest of the good people of Lagos State.”

The state government has not confirmed if members of the new committee to take control of the parks and garages will comprise members of the defunct Lagos chapter of the NURTW.