The Lagos government has warned members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) not to disturb the peace and tranquility in the State.
The warning was issued Wednesday through a statement by Mr. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation.
Giwa issued the warning on the heels of a fight that broke out in some areas of the State as a result of a protest by some RTEAN members calling for the ouster of their association’s national president.
Giwa stated that the protest-related altercations that took place at Iyana-Iba and Lagos Island earlier in the day were being investigated by the government.
“The administration will not accept the collapse of law and order in the State,” Giwa warned the union members, while urging them to remain calm.
He assured that the situation had been communicated to the police commissioner, and he promptly sent officers to the affected districts to handle the situation.
Giwa assured that the government is already investigating claims by the members of the association, promising that it would settle all outstanding issues.
“The government has listened to your outcry.
“We urge you to maintain peace as we will not hesitate to invoke the Lagos State riot act when necessary,” he said.
Giwa reiterated the need for unions to always adopt peaceful ways of resolving their differences, rather than resorting to violence.
Reports say no fewer than three members of a rival group belonging to the RTEAN, were feared dead while several others sustained injuries during a clash at Iyana-Iba, Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, on Wednesday.