The newly inaugurated chairman of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osun, Kazeem Oyewale, has appealed to residents not to associate members of the union with violence, saying that commercial drivers are law-abiding citizens and family men.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Mr Oyewale said peace had returned to motor parks across the state after the leadership crisis that rocked the parks on Monday.

According to him, union activities have resumed following the resolution of the crisis by the national headquarters in Abuja.

Mr Oyewale also urged the police to investigate the killing of some union members during the crisis and appealed to those who had stayed away to return.

He called on the state government to work with the new leadership, noting that the NURTW remains an independent organisation willing to cooperate with all stakeholders.

“In every organisation, leadership changes are normal.

“That is why we were invited to Abuja for our inauguration so that we can officially take charge of the affairs of the NURTW in the state,” he said.

Also, the interim secretary of the union and group two chairman for the Ife Federal Constituency, Ayinde Olakunle, assured residents that normal activities had resumed across motor parks following the resolution of the leadership crisis.

He appealed to members to embrace peace and avoid acts capable of disrupting public order, stressing that the NURTW remains one united family despite recent challenges.

Members of the union on Monday staged protests across major motor parks in the state, passing a vote of no confidence in the leadership of a factional state chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.

The protesters alleged that Mr Alowonle had become a security threat to the union, claiming that his activities disrupted transportation businesses across the state and endangered passengers’ safety.

According to them, the alleged actions of Mr Alowonle and his associates have driven many members out of business, as commuters reportedly lost confidence in the safety of public transportation in recent times.

Reacting, Governor Ademola Adeleke said Mr Alowonle and his executives remain the recognised leadership of the union in the state.

Mr Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, said the leadership was appointed by the national body of the NURTW under its national chairman, in line with the union’s regulations and guidelines.

(NAN)