..approves constitutional Amendments

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

Delegates of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), at a Special virtual National Delegate Conference, SNDC, overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in the Union’s National President, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the president, Adeniran and the acting general secretary Alice Odibo, the union announced that the conference also ratified significant constitutional amendments designed to enhance member participation and strengthen the union’s internal governance structures.

The communique explained that the SNDC was convened following a resolution by a two-thirds majority of AUATON’s state councils.

The delegates described the earlier vote of no confidence passed by the Central Working Committee, CWC, as lacking constitutional validity and argued that the CWC failed to follow due process and violated Articles 9(c) and 16(A)(i) of the union’s constitution.

Reaffirming their support for President Adeniran, the delegates emphasized the union’s commitment to its vision and unity. “The vote of no confidence passed on the National President by the Central Working Committee holds no substantial value to the goals and vision of the union and cannot be substantiated,” the communiqué stated.

To improve governance and prevent future disputes, delegates approved amendments to several constitutional provisions. Notably, National Executive Council (NEC) meetings can now be convened by either the President and General Secretary jointly, the CWC, or a two-thirds majority of State Councils, thereby broadening the channels for decision-making.

Additional amendments to Articles 9b, 8b, and 16 decentralized the process for summoning NEC meetings. Changes to Articles 21C and 6A(i) ensured equal representation for all branches, with each branch entitled to three delegates regardless of financial contributions, provided delegates have paid at least six months of check-off dues.

The delegates further agreed that constitutional amendments may be made not only during the National Delegate Conference but also at the NEC and SNDC, subject to a simple majority vote following open and transparent discussions.

A motion to establish a Board of Trustees was deferred for future consideration. However, the conference approved the formation of Adhoc Committees responsible for planning, monitoring, and credential verification. The President and Acting General Secretary were tasked with submitting the names of committee heads and members by July 15, 2025.

While a proposal to dissolve the current CWC was raised, the conference resolved that the National Executive Council would continue to operate until the next National Delegate Conference scheduled for September 20, 2025, in Akwa Ibom. CWC members may attend NEC meetings but will not hold separate meetings until the leadership transition is finalized.

The SNDC reiterated its dedication to unity, transparency, and democratic governance within AUATON, affirming that all future actions will reflect the collective will of members nationwide.

“It is on this note that we conclude the vote of no confidence passed on the National President by the Central Working Committee has no substantial value to the goals and vision of the Union and cannot be substantiated.

“We, the eligible members of the Special National Delegate Conference, confirm that the National Executive Council shall meet between the Special National Delegate Conference and the National Delegate Conference, with CWC members participating but not convening separate meetings until the next National Delegate Conference, when newly elected National Officers will assume their positions,” the communiqué concluded.