The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has denied an allegation of having two factions.
A National ex-Officio of the union, Mr Jossy Olawale, made the denial known on Tuesday in Lagos.
Olawale said that the allegation emanated from a former executive member of the union.
Olawale said: ‘’AUATON is a trade union duly registered by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment with the aim and objective to protect and promote overall interest of app-based transporters of Nigeria.
‘’Therefore, we operate with a single certificate and a constitution approved by the ministry.
‘’Also, the governing document upon which the union operates and regulates internal affair of its members and officers is the constitution of the union; therefore, there is no faction in AUATON.’’
The union leader alleged that an executive of the union was removed from office in March 2023 on account of gross misconduct, failure to perform office duties and gross violation of the union’s constitution.
He also claimed that the removal followed due process, adding that the union approached the National Industrial Court for proper interpretation of the constitution.
According to him, the interpretation is in line with the process that removed the executive officer.
‘’However, while the matter was still in the court, we were contacted that he was factionalising the union in order to create public perception that the union is divided.
‘’It is unfortunate that he disregarded the resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union.
‘The union will leave no stone unturned to protect protect the supremacy and integrity of its constitution over personal interests.
‘’The union’s Central Working Committee is not divided, the NEC is more than united; so, there is no division in our union, ‘’ Olawale said.
