The recent court order stopping an MC Oluomo-led union from distributing election materials within Lagos State could force the election umpire to seek the service of another union.
One other union the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could be looking to contract that service to would be the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
This association had thought it wise to speak with members not to be involved in the election without an agreement with INEC.
According to the association, it is yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INEC to transport materials for election.
It emphasises that it has no preferred candidates in the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Furthermore, the organisation warned members against being used as political thugs to disrupt elections.
“If they invite us, we will go and if they don’t, we can’t push ourselves to INEC,” President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, said during the organisation’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
Law Abiding Citizens
Mr Maitakobi trusts that members of the organisation are law-abiding citizens and would not disrupt the elections.
“Today, being February 20, 2023, we have special message to our members throughout the federation.
“The message is simple.
“Members of RTEAN, anywhere you find yourself, don’t be used as thugs or hooligans.
“I know our members are law-abiding citizens and we, as an association, will not allow any member to involve himself in any trouble,” he said.
Mr Maitakobi noted that the RTEAN was neutral and would not engage in partisan politics.
“We will not endorse any candidate.
“Our constitution did not tell me to have a preference among people contesting elections.
“Our constitution does not recognise ethnicity, religion and politics,” he stated.
Why RTEAN Is Not Providing Logistics For INEC
The organisation said they are not working with INEC because they were not approached by the electoral umpire.
Mr Maitakobi insists that the organication will not force itself on INEC.
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According to him, the association members are just vehicle owners.
“We are not drivers and we are representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria in trade union act.
“We can’t go otherwise.
“INEC knows we are here and they know our headquarters.
“If they invite us, we will go and if they don’t, we can’t push ourselves to INEC.
“If you want to know reason why we are yet to sign an MoU, it is better to communicate with the INEC chairman.
“Ask him why he didn’t invite RTEAN this year”, Mr Maitakobi said.
