The National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) has announced that its members will not participate in the planned nationwide hunger protest on August 1st. Lukman Zangalo, the factional chairman of NAMTOP, made this announcement on Saturday in Lagos.
As some Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests to demand economic and political reforms and address the rising cost of living, Zangalo clarified his faction’s stance using the #EndBadGovernance slogan on social media. He distanced his group from a statement made by another faction of NAMTOP led by Yinka Aroyewun.
“Our attention has been drawn to a press release by the Yinka Aroyewun faction of NAMTOP regarding their plan to join the national protest against bad governance slated for August 1st to 10th, 2024. We wish to categorically inform the public that our faction of NAMTOP is not participating in any protest,” said Zangalo.
He emphasized that no peaceful protest has ever ended peacefully and cited the lasting economic impact of the #EndSARS protest on Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. “The economy of Lagos State and Nigeria is yet to recover from the devastating outcome of the #EndSARS protest that started as a peaceful protest,” he added.
Zangalo explained that his faction, as the law-abiding segment of NAMTOP, believes in dialogue as a positive tool for dispute resolution. “We are committed to bringing solutions to the challenges of maritime trucking operations through a diplomatic approach with the authorities,” he said.
He also noted that NAMTOP currently lacks a unified leadership structure due to an ongoing leadership tussle before the Lagos State High Court. “The court is yet to pass its judgment in favour of any faction. Therefore, neither of the two factions has the right to parade itself in any capacity before the public as the representative of the association,” Zangalo stated.
He urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding while continuing their business activities without fear. Zangalo also advised members to report any suspicious or mischievous activities to the authorities.
