THE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, has announced the immediate suspension of the activities of transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), motorcycle and tricycle unions, in public motor parks across the state.
The association also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take over the management of motor parks and garages across the 30 Local Government Areas and Ife East Area Office, Modakeke, as part of measures to address growing security concerns.
ALGON made the position known during a press conference in Osun State today, Monday, through the ALGON Vice Chairman, Lanre Balogun (Ilesa East), and some council chairmen including Tobiloba Famurewa (Ilesa West), Mohammed-Gazal Kazeem (Olorunda North) and Adebiyi Adedayo (Olaoluwa South), where they expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating security situation in some motor parks and garages across the state.
According to the association, recent developments linked to the leadership crisis within the NURTW had allegedly resulted in violent incidents and heightened tension, with commuters, transport operators and members of the public reportedly exposed to security risks.
The association referred to recent incidents in Osogbo, which it said had allegedly been linked to the factional NURTW Chairman, Nurudeen Alowonle.
ALGON said the incidents included the reported killing of a toddler and the shooting of an elderly man, who it stated was receiving medical treatment.
The association further alleged that the incidents had triggered reprisal attacks and led to repeated security operations in some motor parks in search of suspected criminals.
It expressed concern that the situation could undermine public confidence in motor parks and garages, which remain important transportation hubs for residents across the state.
The association also referred to a fresh protest that reportedly occurred in motor parks and garages across the state, saying the development created tension before the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force.
While expressing concern over the security situation, ALGON criticised the state government for what it described as an inadequate response to the developments.
However, the association’s position on the matter represents its own assessment of the security situation and the actions of the state government.
The local government chairmen said they could not continue to remain passive while facilities under the administration of local government councils were allegedly being associated with violence and criminal activities.
To justify its position, ALGON cited Paragraph 1(e) of the Fourth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which it said empowers local government councils to regulate motor parks and perform related administrative responsibilities.
The association argued that local government councils, acting through their duly elected chairmen and other lawful authorities, could establish appropriate administrative and management structures for public motor parks, subject to applicable laws.
Consequently, ALGON announced the suspension of the activities of all transport unions, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, in public motor parks across Osun State.
It also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately take over the parks and garages to ensure the protection of lives and property.
The association further urged the police to intensify efforts to arrest Nurudeen Alowonle and other persons allegedly linked to the recent violent incidents, stressing the need for justice for the victims.
ALGON said the local government chairmen would continue consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders before announcing further steps.
The association expressed the belief that the measures would help restore order and security in the state’s motor parks and garages.
The development comes amid continuing concerns over the administration of motor parks, transport union activities and security in some parts of Osun State.