Mr. Kunle Ajayi (Truck Owner)
There is no harm in trying them if they will be properly managed and there would not be an issue. What we have on ground is not working as the entire country is not safe. So whatever measure anyone can put up to secure themselves and their businesses is worth trying. It is not as if they are trying to battle anyone, it is just to safeguard our businesses.
Comrade Onia (MWUN)
COMTUA’s decision of bringing the services of the OPC into the port to secure trucks along the port corridors makes no sense. Are the drivers all Yoruba? We have Igbo, Hausa and even Ijaw drivers. Are they going to secure Ijaw and Igbo drivers with the OPC? It makes no sense.
Mr. Adejumo Adebayo (AMATO Member)
To me, I think it can’t work because the government has its own agencies. How can OPC compete with government agencies. It can’t work. If the government will accept it, then it will work but if they don’t, then it won’t work. Although they said it is not OPC, but a security outfit registered in Nigeria. But if these people come, they will infiltrate them and will join them. I see it as a waste of resources putting their money there because it will not work. It is the government that can address the issue. But an individual or association bringing a security outfit will not work. Let’s not deceive ourselves.
Chief Oluremi Ogungbemi (National President, AMATO)
The security of lives and property is vested in the Police, not OPC. I will not subscribe to a situation whereby anyone will go and join, align or sign MoU with OPC. I will say it can be counterproductive. As far as AMATO is concerned, we are comfortable with the activities of the Police. We will not do anything outside the police.
Pius Ujubionu (Clearing Agent)
It is just like a kettle calling a pot black. COMTUA themselves constituted big extortion leaders at the ports, so what are they talking about? Such a decision doesn’t hold any water, in fact it is not worth discussing at all.
Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun (National President COMTUA)
COMTUA has truly employed the services of a registered security company to secure our trucks from vandals, extortionists, and hijackers. It is within our right to do so; security is everybody’s business. We shall not break any law in doing so.
Aloga Ogbogo (National Secretary, NARTO)
Legally, does OPC have that capacity to come as law enforcement agents to the port corridor? That is so sensitive. For me, it is out of context. We have the Nigeria Port Police and the Lagos State Police Commissioner. They should address the issue to the appropriate quarters. But for me, I believe it’s out of place to take such a decision.
Collins Dike (National Organizing Secretary, COMTUA)
Nobody is bringing any OPC. COMTUA is only bringing a private security firm to secure its members’ trucks. The people constantly afraid are the same people extorting everybody, everywhere in Lagos state.
