ABUJA – The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has advised its members to shun thuggery during the upcoming 2015 general elections.
The National Chairman of the union, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, gave the advice at a combined meeting of the Central Working Committee and National Executive Council of the union on Wednesday in Abuja.
“We should, as patriotic Nigerians, not allow partisan politics to undermine the security, unity and stability of the nation because of the career aspirations of some do-or-die politicians.
“Since no political party or individual can be bigger than Nigeria, it is our duty as leaders to educate our members and forbid them from indulging in acts of violence no matter whom they support.
“We are of the view that government has a duty to vigorously encourage and implement programmes that target job creation to tame restless jobless youths,’’ he said.
Yasin noted that such youths could easily take part in looting during politically-motivated demonstrations or riots.
“We should all team up and put all hands on deck to build the country so that Nigeria will take its rightful place as giant of Africa,’’ he said.
Yasin, however, said the union remained committed to its obligations to the NLC, the central labour organisation.
He said the union was in support of the Federal Government agenda on the Millenium Develop Goal 5, and collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.
He said that the union with funds from SURE-P Maternal and Child Health project had been implementing Emergency Transport Schemes (ETS).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ETS is a scheme under the Maternal and Child Health project of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P MCH) for reducing maternal newborn mortality.
He said a total of 320 drivers had been trained in Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna and Zamfara states on how to transport pregnant women experiencing complications to access health facilities.
“With the support of government through SURE-P, plans are underway to scale up and expand the ETS to other hard-to-reach rural communities in other states of the federation.’’
In an address, Alhaji Isa Dahiru, Chairman, FCT chapter of NURTW, commended the management of the union.
He said the present leadership supported development partners with the sole aim of improving the well-being of members.
NAN reports that highlight of the event was the laying of foundation of the NURTW housing estate project located in Karsana District, Abuja. (NAN)
