Tensions flared on Thursday at the Otovwodo Motor Park in Ughelli, Delta State, as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) staged a protest against alleged plans to impose a caretaker committee on the park’s leadership.
The protest, held within the park in Ughelli North Local Government Area, was triggered by reports that the Delta State Chairman of the NURTW, Chief Francis Arhiyo, is allegedly attempting to reinstate the expelled branch Chairman, Solomon Eshareive, despite an ongoing legal battle.
Addressing the crowd, acting Chairman of the park, Comrade Godspower Oharisi, warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership structure would be viewed as contempt of court.
He urged Chief Arhiyo to respect the judicial process already in motion.
“We have taken this matter to court and will not accept any backdoor manoeuvre. The law must be allowed to take its course,” Oharisi said, adding that members of the park would resist any caretaker arrangement.
His remarks were echoed by the acting Vice Chairman, Henry Omobaye, who accused the state union leadership of bias and disregard for due process.
He emphasized that Eshareive’s removal followed findings of financial misconduct and that reinstating him would undermine the park’s integrity.
“Instead of being neutral, the state chairman has chosen to support one side. We won’t accept that,” Omobaye declared.
“Let the court decide, not an imposed committee.”
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Other leaders within the park, including the acting Secretary, Arthur Asaboro and Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Stanley Omobaye, also condemned the alleged interference, insisting that any forceful change in leadership could destabilize operations.
“We are standing firm behind our current leadership. We do not want Solomon Eshareive, and we won’t tolerate any imposition,” Omobaye said.
Some women at the protest also lent their voices, accusing the former chairman of running the park with personal bias, especially in matters involving female members.
Although Eshareive has refuted the allegations against him, park executives maintain that his tenure brought more division than unity.
They have called on the NURTW national leadership to step in and avert a looming crisis.
