By Mandy Tina
The chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Rivers State chapter, Comrade Monday Eleazar, has described the Boma Tom George-led faction of the union as “a product of illegality.”
Eleazar, who made this known in a press statement, said the process that brought Boma George as state chairman was unconstitutional and marred by illegality.
According to Eleazar, “there was a takeover of the National Secretariat through the use of force by Alhaji Najeem Usman and his team, which disrupted the normal electoral process and necessitated the filing of a suit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, challenging the illegal takeover of the National Secretariat and the constitution of a caretaker committee.”
He warned NURTW’s branch chairmen in Rivers State not to do business with Boma George as he is not duly elected chairman.
The statement read: “As we are all aware, the path to greatness is never easy, but with God’s grace, we shall overcome. It is public knowledge that following the successful conclusion of a Zonal Delegates Conference across the six geo-political zones, a National Administrative Council was duly elected and inaugurated at the quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Lafia on 23rd August 2023, in accordance with the union’s constitution.
“However, to the surprise of everyone, an illegal and unconstitutional takeover of the National Secretariat occurred through the use of force by Alh. Najeem Usman and his team, thereby disrupting our normal electoral process.
“The duly constituted National Administrative Council promptly approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, challenging the illegal takeover of the National Secretariat and the constitution of a caretaker committee.
“As a result of the ongoing court proceedings and the court’s directive for parties involved not to undertake any actions that may undermine its authority, the National Administrative Council, through a letter dated October 3rd, 2023, extended the tenure of state and branch officers until the resolution of the matter.
“It has recently come to our attention that Boma Tom George and his group have been unlawfully visiting various branches of the union, soliciting funds under the guise of reconstitution. I urge all members of our union to refrain from engaging with this group, as doing so would be at their own risk.
“I would like to reiterate that Boma Tom George and his cohorts are merely a product of illegality, and their foundation will inevitably crumble under the weight of the law.
“In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your presence today. Let us remain steadfast and courageous, knowing that the God of justice is on our side, and we will continue to triumph.
“Meanwhile, the position of the branch Chairmen of various unit remains intact,” he said.
When our correspondent contacted Boma Tom George for his response, he said he will react later.
