Obidient movement demands arrest of Lagos NURTW chair over ‘threat to voters’ in viral video

The Obidient movement has raised the alarm over recent remarks from Adekunle Mustapha, also known as Sego.

Mustapha is the Lagos state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In a viral video, Sego seemingly threatened to deal with anyone who votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming 2027 elections.

“Anybody who makes mistakes in 2027 will be dealt with. Let them know that the APC is the party you’ll vote for, anybody who refuses to do so will meet us,” Mustapha said in Yoruba.

Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient movement worldwide, recalled the violence that marred the 2023 elections in Lagos, and alleged that members of the NURTW attacked voters, particularly supporters of Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

“The attention of the Obidient Movement has been drawn to comments, well captured on video, by the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego,” the statement reads.

“In summary, the said Sego, who masquerades as a Labour Union leader, threatened to kill anyone who votes against the APC in Lagos, during the next elections, scheduled for 2027.

“The Obedient Movement recalls with grief and sadness, the violence unleashed by this same NURTW members and other thugs, during the 2023 elections, on Nigerian voters in Lagos, particularly members of the Obedient Movement and supporters of Mr Peter Obi and the Labour Party, resulting in the recorded killing and maiming of so many.”

The movement accused the APC of orchestrating these threats and acts of violence as a desperate measure.

“The APC realises it cannot win free and fair elections due to its failure to deliver good governance,” it added.

Tanko asked the President Bola Tinubu, the governor of Lagos, and law enforcement to see to Mustapha’s arrest and prosecution for the rhetoric.

“The NURTW is supposedly registered as a trade union in the transport sector, and we are of the firm conviction, that it’s long years of terror, murder and political manipulation, and use as a thuggery army for corrupt and failed politicians, must now be brought to an end,” the statement said.

“We are by this statement calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who bears statutory and historical responsibility for this development, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the police, DSS, Military and all other security agencies to immediately effect the arrest, detention and prosecution of this NURTW Chairman, and all others who have been long involved in the perpetration of these threats, murders and politically related criminal acts.”

He also appealed to the international community to take note of these threats to peace and human rights in Nigeria.

Tanko warned that continued inaction could lead to citizens organising themselves for self-defence, potentially resulting in anarchy.

MUSTAPHA RELEASED ON BAIL

After the video went viral, the DSS  invitedMustapha to its office, with the NURTW chair subsequently released on bail.

Mustapha issued a statement afterwards to say he was speaking to union members and that his remarks had been misconstrued.

“This afternoon, I was invited by the DSS over false allegations, claiming that I insulted some groups while addressing our members,” he said.

“These rumours are baseless. I have always been a man of peace, and my messages are directed only to our members.

“Everyone has the right to associate freely and choose their affiliations, and I fully respect that. As we all know, there is always an enemy in every job, and we know where this is coming from.

“This is clearly an attempt to destabilise me and the NURTW in Lagos state. I have just been released on bail and remain committed to peace, unity, and the progress of our organisation.

“I also appreciate online bloggers for informing the public, but I strongly warn you not to be biased. Verify information before posting about me or the NURTW.

“Spread the truth, remain fair, and report responsibly. Together, let us promote freedom of association, peace, truth, and unity in Lagos state.” (The Cable)