Road Transport Union Protest LG Seizure Okigwe Park 

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW in Abia State is protesting the loss of control over Okigwe Park in Umuahia. 

They claim the facility was historically granted to them but has now been forcibly seized.

Union Secretary Uzoma Igbokwe stated that despite Governor Alex Otti’s directive to resume operations, the Umuahia North Mayoral Council has blocked their return.

The union alleges the park was leased to a third party starting January 2025. They claim the Mayor’s office denied this arrangement when questioned.

Official letters from the Commissioner for Transport reportedly promised the union control by late 2025. Despite these assurances, the NURTW remains excluded from the facility.

Park controller Comrade Nwacham denied having a formal contract with the council. He maintains that the park serves four different transport unions operating independently.

Nwacham explained he was appointed to coordinate the park due to his seniority. He argued that the NURTW should not have exclusive rights over every location.

The controller blamed the friction on past attempts by NURTW leadership to proscribe other unions. He claims the current dispute is an effort to enforce a monopoly.

While the NURTW Chairman has halted planned protests to maintain order, state transport officials have yet to provide a formal response to the conflictand inclusive election.