The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has described Mr. Yinka Aroyewun, the controversial President of the Committee of Maritime Trucking Unions and Associations (COMTUA), as a serial blackmailer.
NAMTOP accused him of engaging in a pattern of blackmail and making false accusations against prominent figures and entities both within and outside the industry.
According to a statement issued by NAMTOP and signed by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Yakub Kolawole, the trucking association refuted the allegations raised by Aroyewun against agencies in the maritime sector and political office holders, saying that they are groundless and lacking substantial evidence.
NAMTOP pointed out that Aroyewun attempted to tarnish the image of various entities, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ports Standing Task Team (TTP), APC State Party Chairman Mr. Cornelius Ojelabi, Sola Giwa, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, and Mr. Olaleye Thompson, among others adding that these entities have vehemently denied the veracity of the claims leveled against them.
Furthermore, NAMTOP asserted that Aroyewun failed to provide substantiated evidence for his accusations and instead resorted to a media-driven campaign aimed at defaming his perceived adversaries. It said the “calumny war” tactic not only lacked credibility but has also raised concerns about his motives and credibility.
According to the statement, NAMTOP clarified that COMTUA, an adhoc committee, ceased to exist following the Federal Government’s dissolution of the Presidential Task Team on Apapa/Tincan Ports in 2020. Since then, major trucking unions and associations involved in COMTUA have severed ties with the collaboration.
NAMTOP added that in addition to this complexity, Aroyewun’s creation of a parallel faction of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP), with one Mr. Moshood Olaitan Adisa as its Chairman, has been met with skepticism.
The statement further explained that this faction lacks support from majority of truckers, notable elders, and key players in the maritime trucking industry.
NAMTOP said the legitimate NAMTOP, led by Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, has received widespread endorsement from industry stakeholders,
The trucking association urged industry members and the public to exercise caution and disregard Aroyewun’s smear campaign, adding that doubts have been cast on his legitimacy and authority to represent the interests of truckers and key players within the maritime trucking sector.
