The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) said it has resolved to reinstate Ayoade Ibrahim and all other national officers who left with him.
According the union, the decision was reached after a reconciliation meeting between AUATON’s Central Working Committee (CWC) and the NLC-led Intra-Union Conflict and Reconciliation Committee.
A statement issued by South-South Zonal Chairman, AUATON, Samuel Orji, said the committee recommended the restoration of Ibrahim to his position as general secretary , alongside other affected officers In the spirit of comradeship and in the overall interest of the workers we are representing.
He disclosed that the National Executive Council (NEC) of AUATON following the reconciliation meeting of CWC with NLC convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the recommendations.
In the meeting presided over by AUATON’s National President, Damola Adeniran, the NEC affirmed the NLC committee’s recommendation after extensive deliberations lasting over six hours.
The reconciliation process followed two scheduled meetings held in Lagos with AUATON’s pioneer national officials, led by Adeniran where the circumstances surrounding Ayoade’s removal as General Secretary in March 2024 were addressed.
While several NEC members expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, citing the negative impact of the situation on the union, they ultimately agreed to set aside past grievances for the greater good of the union.
However, the NEC unanimously requested that Comrade Ayoade submit a formal apology letter upon his return to office.
In his remarks, Adeniran emphasised the importance of adherence to AUATON’s constitution and union directives, stressing that many of the union’s challenges stemmed from a disregard for established rules and resolutions.
He urged all union executives to prioritize members’ welfare over personal interests, warning that any attempts to create factions within the union would not be tolerated.
“Any news or move to fractionalise the Union will never be taken with levity as the Union is focused on capacity building in the best interest of the workers across the federation,” he cautioned.
