LAGOS – The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lagos State Branch, has threatened to stage a massive protest. This comes in response to what they describe as the illegal removal of Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu, the substantive Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Association, just six months after his election.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, officials from the association accused Akinlolu’s deputy of orchestrating his removal, claiming it was done unlawfully and in violation of the Association’s constitution. A member, who requested anonymity, revealed, “Our former Lagos State Branch Chairman was forcefully removed by his deputy, who schemed to oust him and install himself as the new chairman.”
The source continued, explaining, “On May 5, 2022, a Delegate Conference of PTD, Lagos Zonal Council took place at Manhattan Hall, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State, under the theme ‘Continuity of Excellence.’ At this event, Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu was re-elected as Zonal Chairman of PTD-Lagos Council to serve another four-year term due to his competence and transparency. However, six months later, his deputy and others opposed to his leadership style removed him illegally to form a parallel executive. This was supported by the former National Chairman of the Association, who is now a PTD Trustee and reportedly used his influence and money to ensure the deputy became the Lagos State Chairman.”
The member further claimed, “The former National Chairman also failed to hand over certain bank accounts with large sums belonging to the Association after his tenure ended. Since the deputy took over as Chairman of PTD-Lagos Council, the Association has faced significant challenges, including corruption, diversion of funds to private accounts, and general poor leadership.”
He and his colleagues stressed, “We are calling for Comrade Olabisi Akinlolu to be reinstated to his position to complete his four-year term. All PTD Lagos Council members are fed up with the current chairman’s bad leadership, and we want Akinlolu returned for a better and more effective leadership.”
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