Union refutes alleged factionalisation, affirms dismissal of general secretary

Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), an organised registered trade union under the Federal Republic of Nigeria, yesterday, refuted alleged factionalisation within its ranks.

In a statement, the national ex-officio, Jossy Olawale, said the dismissal of the general secretary remained unchanged.

He stressed that AUATON is a duly registered trade union with the aim and objective to protect and promote the overall interest of app-based transporters of Nigeria, operate with a single certificate and constitution approved by the federal ministry under the officer of the registrar of trade unions of Nigeria.

According to him, the governing document upon which the union operates and regulates internal affairs of members and officers is the constitution of the union, hence, there’s no faction in AUATON as peddled in the media.

Olawale said it was regrettable that people would try to circumvent institutional rules and operational guidelines stipulated by the governing constitution.

He said: “The promoter of the faction in AUATON is no other person but the former general secretary, who was dismissed from office in March 2023 on account of gross misconduct, failure to perform office duties, incompetency, nepotism and gross violation of the union’s constitution.

“His removal followed all due process of the union’s constitution and conformed with the peaceful co-existence Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by all the national officers of the union with the Federal Ministry of Labour, Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions in December 2023, which the former general secretary consistently violated.

“The petition against him stated various offences in a motion by member of the Central Working Committee (CWC), and the petition was later referred to the union’s disciplinary committee for fair hearing. The committee’s report found him guilty. The report was referred to the National Executive Council (NEC), the highest body for consideration.”

He said a resolution was reached for his dismissal. The position of the NEC was communicated to the Ministry of Labour, Nigeria Labour Congress, international supporting organisations, law enforcement agents, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and media publication for record and to prevent impersonation.

Olawale said it was unfortunate that the former general secretary disregarded the resolution of the NEC on his removal and began parading himself as the general secretary rather than seek reconciliation, in line with relevant articles of the constitution.