By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The National Executive Council (NEC) of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary General with immediate effect.

The association’s Deputy National President Administration, Amb. Muhammad Bishara, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) wishes to inform its members, stakeholders, and the general public that an Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was convened on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at its National Secretariat.

“The emergency meeting was in accordance with the Association’s constitution and commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in leadership.

“It was presided over by the Deputy National President (Administration), Muhammad Abu Bakr Bishara, following due authorisation in accordance with the Association’s operational guidelines.”

He said that during the meeting, the NEC deliberated extensively on matters concerning the conduct of the Secretary- General, Adeniyi.

“After reviewing available reports and hearing submissions from relevant parties, the council resolved that Mr Adeneyi’s actions constituted misconduct and a breach of trust.

“In line with the Association’s constitutional provisions, and in the best interest of preserving the credibility and unity of the organisation, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend Mr Yusuf Adeniyi from office as Secretary-General with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.”

Bishara further said that the NEC constituted a seven-member Investigative Committee to examine all allegations and circumstances surrounding the matter.

He said that the committee is chaired by Dr Samuel Agbede, while Mr Adamu jalaluddeen as secretary and is mandated to submit its findings and recommendations within two months.

Bishara assured all members of the association and the public of its unwavering commitment to due process, fairness, and justice in handling the matter.

He added that the association remains focused on its primary mission of promoting the welfare of its members and advancing the growth of the road transport sector in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction, Mr Adeniyi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) denied the allegations, adding that he has not been served with any letter of suspension on alleged misconduct.

He said, “I am the National Secretary-General of the Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and till this moment as I’m speaking with you I have not been served with any letter of suspension whatsoever.

“The fact of the matter is that there was a case between us and before the judgement, I advised that we should reconcile and send our terms of settlement to the court as consent judgement.

“And my people refused and when they refused the Appeal Court proceeded and when the verdict of the appeal court came they lost the case.

“When they lost the case I tried to reach out to the other parties so that the reconciliation effort I made before can be used to reconcile the parties, so that all of us can work together.

“Even if we win or we lose, we are all members. It is all about interest and we should be able to work together,” he said.

He, however, said that about four or five days ago, the Deputy President of the association in charge of administration, met him in the office and dragged him out of the office.

“The following day I went they said that I have no access to the office. That is all that I know. I don’t even know my offense and nobody has called me either through the electronic or print system or served me with any letter of suspension.

“All I know is that they denied me access to my office,” Adeyini. (NAN)