Motorcycle operators union appeals to Sanwo-Olu for sole recognition in Lagos
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN), Lagos Chapter, has appealed to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to reinstate the association as the only recognised body in the state.
The Chairman of MOUN, Mr Taiwo Adetunji, made the plea at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja.
“In the light of the foregoing, we hereby apply that the Lagos State Government gives MOUN Branch in Lagos State a deserving recognition as the sole union for commercial motorcycle operators in Lagos State.
“We request that your Excellency should direct the Ministry of Transportation to fully cooperate and collaborate with MOUN.
“And also issue it every certificate or instrument of recognition to enable MOUN peaceably operate as the sole union and representative of the commercial motorcycle operators in Lagos State.
“In making this application, we are not unmindful of the possible existence of other groups within Lagos State that may lay claim to associating with commercial motorcycle business,” he said.
Similarly, MOUN’s General Secretary, Ade Ikuesan, said it was important to acknowledge the body that had the record.
“We hasten to stress and clarify, however, that as at today, MOUN is the only trade union allowed by the Trade Unions Act to exist and operate throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria as a trade union of motorcycle operators.
“Thus, our entreaty to your excellency that the Lagos State Government t should accord MOUN official recognition and relate with it as the sole and authentic trade union of motorcycle operators, to the exclusion of any other body of pretenders.
“Your Excellency, we humbly point out that the recognition and collaboration MOUN seeks with the state government will mutually benefit both MOUN and the state,” Ikuesan said.
According to him, we understand that the government has the primary duty to regulate the operations and activities of motorcycle operators in Lagos State.
The Legal Counsel to the association, Jiti Ogunye, appealed to the ministry of transportation to implement pre-existing law.
“Your Excellency, our client MOUN is ready, willing, and able to conform with and abide by all the statutory, administrative and governance requirements that it may be asked to fulfill by the state government to establish and sustain a cordial union-government relationship.
“MOUN submitted a petition on Oct. 9 to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, to seek redress.
“In the Petition, we have submitted the following prayers, to which we expect sympathetic and just answers.
“The withdrawal and rescission of the letter of recognition and other letters purportedly issued to MOUN but handed over to third parties who are not members of MOUN to empower them to forcibly take over MOUN in Lagos State,’’ Ogunye said.
He called for “proper implementation of the approval granted by recognising MOUN in Lagos State, and certifying it for operation by issuance and delivery of letter of recognition and other instruments to MOUN.”
