There seems to be no respite in sight concerning the supremacy battle between Lagos Parks and Garage Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka, MC Oluomo, and Chairman of Tricycle Owners and Operators of Nigeria, TOOAN, Azeez Abiola, popularly known as Istijabah, despite the peace meeting organized by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, for the two factional transport leaders in the State.
The problem between the two led to the suspension of MC Oluomo as the State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and his appointment as the Chairman, Lagos State Parks and Garages by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Since the appointment, the battle of supremacy between the NURTW and MC Oluomo over who takes control of the State Parks and Garages, has led to factional crisis that has created tension and wanton destruction of lives and properties in the State.
It would be recalled that on Monday, May 2, 2022, the Lagos State Police Command CP, in a statement signed on his behalf by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, warned that any person found causing trouble anywhere within the state would be arrested and made to face the law.
The statement was titled, ‘NURTW Imbroglio: CP Alabi Reads Riot Act To Mischief Makers’
The CP noted that: “The warning has become imperative following incessant clashes, fracas and malicious damage to property recently experienced in some parts of Lagos State mostly linked to the issues surrounding the management of motor parks within the state”.
Alabi was said to have separately met MC Oluomo and Istijabah in his office where “he admonished them to prevail on their teeming followers to act within the confines of the law, he is poised to ensure the security currently being enjoyed in Lagos State remains intact”.
“In line with this stance, all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders have been directed to deal decisively with anyone found instigating or causing a breach of peace within their respective areas of responsibility,” the statement added.
The CP further assured Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The foot soldiers of the two transport leaders had clashed in parts of the State over the control of parks and ticket sales and lives have been reportedly lost while some persons have been injured.
Despite the meeting the CP held with the two factional Groups, it is believed by some section of political observers that the crisis and battle of supremacy between them have thickened.
Brown Anosike, a Social Commentator is of the view that crisis is looming in the State, following the position of the two factional leaders in the transportation sector in the State, stressing that MC Oluomo has the backing of the State Government and could use that as an avenue to forcefully take control of the Parks, which won’t augur well with Istijabah, and would affect the security of the State.
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