The faction of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) led by Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo has distanced itself from the planned national protest against bad governance.
In a public statement issued on July 27, 2024, the Zangalo-led faction emphasized their commitment to non-violence and dialogue as a means of resolving disputes within the maritime trucking sector.
Recall that the protest is slated to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024, but Zangalo clarified that the planned protest in the trucking sector is being organized by a rival faction of NAMTOP headed by Yinka Aroyewun.
He said the Yinka Aroyewun’s faction has called for the trucking community to join the national protest, aiming to address issues of bad governance affecting the industry and the country at large.
In response, the Zangalo-led faction emphasized commitment to non-violence and dialogue as a means of resolving disputes within the maritime trucking sector.
The group also expressed concerns over the potential consequences of protests, citing the negative impact of the End SARS protests on Lagos state and Nigeria’s economy.
“No peaceful protest has ever ended in peace,” the announcement stated, referencing the long-lasting economic repercussions of the 2020 End SARS protests which started peacefully, but escalated into significant unrest.
Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo stated that his faction firmly believes in addressing the challenges facing maritime trucking operations through diplomatic engagement with authorities.
He called on the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to hold Yinka Aroyewun and his faction accountable for any potential disruption of public order, damage to property, or attacks on port infrastructure that may arise from the planned protest.
The statement also highlighted the ongoing leadership tussle within NAMTOP, currently under judicial review at the Lagos State High Court with suit number ID/7478GCM/2024. The court has yet to deliver a judgment in favour of either faction, and as such, Zangalo’s faction asserts that neither side has the legal standing to represent the association publicly.
In a call for calm, the Zangalo-led faction urged its members within the maritime trucking community to continue their business activities peacefully and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police authority. They reiterated their commitment to law and order and their faith in legal processes to resolve internal disputes.
