Business
RTICUL, NURTW Face Off: Court Orders Restraint
A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has directed the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Rivers State Ministry of Transport and Port Harcourt City Council to exercise restraint pending the determination of the matter brought before it by the Applicant/Claimant, Rivers Transport and Investment Cooperative Limited (RTICUL).
The President of RTICUL, Mr Tubonimi Wokoma said they went to court to determine whether or not the NURTW and other parties in the matter have right to collect whatever dues from vehicles registered with the cooperative.
He hinted that Hon. Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, who is setting over the matter, on Tuesday directed all parties to exercise restraint.
The Cooperative also alleged that NURTW, RTEAN, MOT and PHALGA were involved in the seizure of Garden City Micro-Finance Bank-Assisted Vehicles and Continuous Impoundment of Cooperative Vehicles respectively.
Counsel to the claimant, Barr Ken O. Asuete, told the court of the failure of negotiations and settlement granted the parties, saying that is why the court should hear the matter.
Meanwhile, Counsel for the parties (NURTW, PHALGA and others), Hon. Temple Amadi, also informed the Court that the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Chimbiko Iche-Akarolo, has assured that transport would be given all conducive atmosphere to do their business.
Hon. Amadi, noted that the cooperative transporters were evading payment for facilities, like motor parks and other public places owned by his clients.
The President of the Cooperative, Mr Wokoma, faulted the claims of NURTW that all government constructed roads were under their charge.
He further pointed out that the continuous impoundment of his member’s vehicles by NURTW and others while the matter was still in court was uncalled for.
The matter has been adjourned to September 29, 2011 for further hearing.