Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour Reacts To NURTW Members In Lagos Allegedly Ordering Their Members Not To Work With Opposition Parties

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State during the 2023 general election, has responded to a viral video showing leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos allegedly instructing their members not to cooperate with opposition parties in the state.

In the footage, a union leader is seen chastising members from the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area for associating with individuals outside the APC. He declared that the union’s loyalty lies entirely with the APC and dismissed other political parties in Lagos as illegitimate. The leader further emphasized that a repeat of the events that transpired in 2023 would not be tolerated in the next election cycle.

‘’APC is our party in Lagos state. Another party is a counterfeit. whether you like it or not. We are not shy to say it. What happened in your axis at Ajegunle that you all pretended like nothing happened, if such repeats itself, you will all be suspended.

Any of your transport workers who misbehaves, suspend him and have the evidence. Nobody dare reinstates such worker. Even in that area that he lives, we will torment them and make them feel hell,

We don’t joke with APC in Lagos state.

Nobody should think that what happened in 2023 will repeat itself in 2027. Anybody who makes any silly mistake and misbehaves in 2027 will be dealt with. Go and let them know that it is APC you will vote.” he said

Another union executive was also recorded saying that members should not oppose the APC, as the party is responsible for their livelihoods.

In response, Gbadebo, who shared the video on social media, suggested that the NURTW leaders’ outburst stemmed from the success of his political event in Ajegunle. He made it clear that he would not be shaken by their threatening statements.

Violence is the last refuge of incompetence.

The @OfficialDSSNG is no doubt aware of the NURTW’s directives to its members, urging them to Attack, hurt, maim, disrupt, intimidate, and harm opposition gatherings in Lagos, As we saw happen at my declaration at Alimosho and now threats after our successful gathering at Ajeromi.

The President and his Lagos APC allies have controlled Lagos state for over 24 years, yet they have no record to campaign on instead they mobilize people like this to stifle opposition, yet send their own children abroad to benefit from good governance.

By labeling opposition voices as “enemies of the President” and threatening those who fail to carry out these acts, the intent is to stifle democracy through fear.

Let it be known that we are not intimidated. We make this statement for the record and to emphatically state that no one has a monopoly on violence. When this movie starts you will quickly realise we are the many you are the few.

Àwa náà ò kéré, awa gan ò dúró lásán. Ẹrù ìjà kò bá wá.” he wrote

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli