The crisis rocking the national executives of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) appears to be grinding to an end as the union’s Central Working Committee (CWC) has formally recognised David Nosa Aigbonran as the new and substantive national chairman of the union.
This development, disclosed in a communique issued by the CWC upon the end of its August meeting, comes just weeks after the former and pioneer chairman, Adedamola Adeniran, tendered his resignation from the position.
The CWC communique noted that after the reconciliation meeting with the NLC, it was categorically clarified that the Union erred by previously addressing Comrade David Nosa Aigbonran as Acting President instead of acknowledging him as the substantive National President.
After deliberating extensively on the manner of presidential succession with reference to Article 16, B(5) of the AUATON Constitution, it was reaffirmed that upon the resignation of former President Ademola, only one Deputy National President was in office: Comrade David Nosa Aigbonran.
Thus, going by the doctrine of necessity, he automatically assumes the position of National President, not Acting President.
“This position was further affirmed and validated by the NLC during the reconciliation meeting, which upheld his status and authority as the substantive National President of AUATON. Accordingly, Comrade David Nosa Aigbonran is henceforth to be formally and officially recognised, addressed, and accorded all rights and privileges as the substantive National President of AUATON,” the CWC said.
Adedamola Adeniran resigned amid chaos in AUATON
The AUATON, as its name suggests, is the marriage of three pre-existing e-hailing drivers’ associations. Thus, it was liable to squabbles and disagreements. But the squabbles have led to a series of court cases, threats and outright intimidation.
The crisis began one year after its incorporation as a government-approved union when David Nosa Aigbornan’s faction, along with Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, broke away to form a new executive.
At that time, Comrade Ayoade told Technext that the faction was in court to challenge the Adedamola-led executives based on the union’s constitution. which stipulates that members must be self-employed app-based workers.
It claimed that Adedamola and other executives are not, and as such are no longer members of the AUATON.
He also insisted that the incumbent President, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran, is a staff member of the National Institute of Police Studies. This disqualifies him from holding executive positions within the union. He also accused Adedamola of intimidating him (Ibrahim) and other factional executives with the police to compel them to drop their suits.
More accusations of intimidation arose after David Nosa was arrested in Abuja by the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). This was after Comrade Adeniran accused him of impersonating the union president and defrauding members in Edo State and the State government.
See also: AUATON president accused of intimidation following factional leader’s arrest for impersonation
Comrade Adeniran was also accused of being behind the arrest of the Southeast Zonal Chairman, Comrade Emeka Emereole, on allegations of criminal defamation.
This followed Comrade Emeka Emereole’s public allegation that he sabotaged the union’s interest in exchange for the promise of a house and other financial benefits from a new ride-hailing company. He also accused him of squandering N40 million meant for members to attend an e-hailing event in Lagos.
To make matters worse, Comrade Adeniran was accused of disregarding every attempt by the NLC to resolve the crisis.
Following this, the CWC passed a vote of no-confidence on the grounds of administrative overreach, consistent disruption of democratic processes, constitutional breaches, and medical unfitness in late June.
Later that month, Comrade Adeniran would tender his resignation to the union. The resignation letter reads:
“I am sorry to inform you that I will be stepping down and resigning from the position as the National President of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria. The current realities of the state of the union conflict with my personal life goals, and I truly believe I can be more beneficial to the union as a mentor and an adviser if need be. Thank you very much for offering me the opportunity to serve as the pioneer president of AUATON. I will provide all the necessary assistance needed to ensure the peaceful transition of power.”
One can only hope this closes an ugly chapter in the union’s nascent history.
