RTEAN Chairman, Alhaji Musa Rumoured Removed!

MICHAEL AKINOLA

There  was confusion at the State Headquarters of Road Transport Empoyees Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, in Akesan area of Lagos, after the news spread that the newly elected Chairman of RTEAN, Alhaji Muhammad Musa, has been removed.

P.M.EXPRESS scooped that members of the union started moving their personal effects from the office while some had to temporarily relocate elsewhere.
The rumour, which threw the association into panic and confusion, was that the Court cancelled the election and directed Alhaji Musa to hand over the union documents within 24 hours.
It was gathered that the rumour became worse since after the election, Alhaji Musa had not been seen nor attended any public functions because of the crisis that came up before and after the election described as selection by Musa faction.

However, the purported removal turned out a hoax after one the suspects, who spread the news, was apprehended by the Police at Igando Division to show proof that Musa was given 24 hours to submit and hand over the union documents in his possession.

The suspect, 52-old Lukuman Kolawole, was not able to provide evidence hence the Police charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for conduct likely to cause breach of public peace by giving false information that Musa should hand over all the union documents in his possession within 24 hours.
He pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Supol Kenneth Asibor, asked the Court to fix a date for hearing since Kolawole pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O Shomade, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The defendant was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned till 20th January, 2019.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that RTEAN has been factionalized between a group led by Musa and another group led by one Alhaji Sulaimon.
It was gathered since the election, RTEAN had not known peace; the election has been a subject of litigation since October, 2019.
Efforts to reach Alhaji Muhammad Musa proved abortive as he was said to have gone out of Lagos; his phone rang but he did not pick his calls.