IBADAN—The protracted in-fighting among top shots of the Oyo state branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, came into focus Tuesday as  Governor Abiola Ajimobi charged the national headquarters of the union to do everything possible to redeem the image of the union, particularly in the state.

The NURTW President had informed the governor of the readiness of the national body of the union to reconstitute the executive council in the state, appealing to the governor to temper justice with mercy by lifting the ban placed on the activities of the union in the state.

He said that the warring factions had served out their tenure and that there was the need for the reconstitution of a new executive council that would exclude any of those involved in the violent activities of the past

The governor, while receiving a delegation of the union led by its National President, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, noted that the image of the NURTW had been seriously battered by the violent activities of some members in the state in the past.

“NURTW, before now, was not known to be an association of thugs and killers. Therefore, there is the need for your association to do everything possible to give it a redeemable image in the state. The image of your association in Oyo State leaves much to be desired,” he said.

Ajimobi, who described the people of the state as peace-loving, vowed to do everything possible to rid the state of violence, thuggery, brigandage and vandalism.

“Oyo State is known for being pace setter in good things, in quality things and we don’t want the state to be identified with violence.

“The violence that occurred a couple of months ago leading to the death of many people was to us very devastating. We do not and we will not support violence in whatever form in the state. We don’t want to be involved in all the atrocities perpetrated in the past by the union.

“We want to rid Oyo State of all acts of brigandage, vandalism, thuggery and lawlessness. We believe that in Oyo State, we must abide by the laws of the land,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would work together with the national body of the union to bring about a union that all stakeholders in the state shall be proud of.

He described the concept behind the setting up of the union as noble, stressing that it was aimed at developing commercial activities and to encourage and assist business activities in every state by providing very affordable, cost-effective transportation system for all.

Ajimobi pledged the support and cooperation of his administration to the union in its efforts at putting in place a union that would continue to be law-abiding and serve the interest of the people.