AUATON describes leadership crisis reports as false, malicious and unauthorized

Reports of a leadership crisis in its Lagos Chapter has been dismissed by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the union described the claims as false, malicious and unauthorized.

The Union insisted that the resolution reached during its meeting held on 24th April, earlier this year, positioning Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez as the duly recognized Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter is still very much maintained.

NEC has not removed or suspended Comrade Azeez, who continues to perform his duties as the Lagos State Chairman, according to the statement. However, the statement revealed the immediate suspension of Comrade Kolawole Aina as the South-West Zonal Chairman pending investigations regarding alleged actions of insurbodination and unauthorized publications.

Aina was cautioned by AUATON against the continued spread of misinformation and the impersonation of the union, pointing out that such actions undermine reconciliation efforts being facilitated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The union added that failure to desist could attract further disciplinary measures and legal action in line with its constitution. The Union took the chance to call the attention of the NLC, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to activities it said could threaten public peace and destabilise the union.

It was also revealed that Comrade David Nosa was suspended for conduct considered detrimental to the unity and progress of the union, while the suspension of Comrade Tosin Akindele over alleged gross misconduct and actions capable of bringing the union into disrepute continues to be exercised.

According to the Union, the protection of its integrity and prevention of factionalism, insubordination and what it described as “divide-and-rule tactics” allegedly being exploited by app-based transport platforms are the reasons behind its disciplinary measures. The statement reassured that the union remains united under the leadership of its National President, Comrade Damola Adeniran, emphasizing that any vote of no confidence, removal or leadership announcement made outside the NEC is without constitutional backing and as a result is null and void.

Urging journalists and media organisations to verify information with its National Spokesperson before publication to avoid spreading misinformation, AUATON also appealed to members nationwide to disregard what it regarded as fake reports and to remain committed to its objectives of securing decent work, fair remuneration and the right to collective bargaining for app-based transport workers.