Delta NURTW Rejects Otovwodo Chairman’s Alleged Removal

A leadership dispute within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Delta State has intensified following the alleged expulsion of a unit chairman in Ughelli North.

The controversy centres around Comrade Solomon Esharive, Chairman of the Otovwodo Motor Park unit, whose reported removal has been challenged by a senior official of the branch. Chief Akporobo Ighovoja, Assistant Secretary and Head of Taskforce of Branch B, has dismissed the expulsion as unconstitutional and lacking legal basis.

The development follows social media reports from unverified sources alleging that Mr Esharive had been removed from office due to internal disagreements. However, union leadership has insisted that no such action can be taken without approval from the State Council, which retains sole authority over disciplinary matters.

The dispute has prompted the Delta State Council of the NURTW to intervene. A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 17 July, in Asaba, where all parties involved including executives from Ughelli North Branch B and the Otovwodo unit are expected to present their positions. A letter confirming the meeting and the Council’s involvement has been issued by the State Secretary, Jibril Yemi.

The State Chairman of the union has reportedly distanced the state executive from the expulsion decision, indicating that it did not follow established procedures.

Concerns have also been raised over increasing involvement of local community members in the union’s internal matters. According to union officials, such interference contradicts the standard practice in other trade unions and undermines the NURTW’s constitutional processes.

The State Council is expected to issue a resolution following its meeting later this week.