By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Acting Chairman of Otovwodo Motor Park, Ughelli, Delta State, Comrade Godspower Oharisi, has warned that any move by the Delta State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Francis Ariyo, to impose a caretaker committee on the park would amount to contempt of court and will be firmly resisted.
Oharisi issued the warning on Thursday during a peaceful protest at the park in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, amid a protracted leadership tussle and allegations of financial misconduct against the expelled branch chairman, Solomon Eshareive.
He stressed that the dispute is already before a competent court and urged Ariyo to respect the judicial process rather than take steps that could inflame tensions.
“The matter is already in court. Ariyo should stick to his earlier position and allow the judicial process to conclude. Any attempt to set up a caretaker committee will be resisted,” Oharisi declared.
The protest, which drew both members and executives of the park, followed reports that Ariyo is allegedly plotting to reinstate Eshareive “through the backdoor.”
Supporting Oharisi’s position, Acting Vice Chairman Henry Omobaye accused the State Chairman of bias, recalling that Eshareive was removed from office after being found guilty of misconduct.
“As a leader, you must listen to both sides. But he [Ariyo] has chosen to listen to one man. Where is Solomon Eshareive? He wants to bring him back quietly. We have taken the matter to court—let the process run its course,” Omobaye said.
He added that the park’s leadership remains united and will not tolerate intimidation, warning Ariyo to stop interfering in the branch’s internal affairs.
Acting Secretary Arthur Asaboro and Disciplinary Committee Chairman Stanley Omobaye echoed these concerns, warning that any attempt to override the current leadership would destabilise the park.
“I have no confidence in him. We in the union don’t want Solomon Eshareive again. Ariyo, stay in your lane—don’t ignite trouble in Otovwodo by forcing a caretaker committee on us,” Stanley stated.
Some women at the park also voiced their discontent, accusing Eshareive of favoritism and poor conflict management during his tenure, citing alleged bias linked to personal relationships.
Although Eshareive has denied the allegations, the park’s leadership remains adamant that his return in any form will be resisted. They are calling on the national leadership of the NURTW to intervene to prevent further unrest.
