The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the interim leadership of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association to conduct election within 90 days.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, on Tuesday in a statement explained that the deadline was given in order to put an end to the leadership crisis in the market since 2018.
The statement reads partly, “On Saturday, August 7, 2021, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, summoned a meeting of all stakeholders of ASPAMDA at Lagos House Marina. After listening to all the stakeholders present, the governor directed that the caretaker committee headed by Sunday Igboanuzuo with Emeka Chukwuloka as Secretary, should conduct election into ASPAMDA offices within 60 to 90 days; and that the Lagos State Government will provide security and other logistics that will enable the conduct of free and fair elections within this said period.”
The statement added that the government would monitor developments to ensure that the directive was carried out, expressing hope that the move would end the leadership crisis in ASPAMDA “and instal an atmosphere of peace and harmony needed to maximise the business potential of ASPAMDA.”
The commissioner explained that ASPAMDA crisis started in 2018 when the tenure of the last leadership ended and its efforts to extend its tenure led to judicial contestation.
He added that in spite of a court judgement that kicked it out and the caretaker committee appointed by the state in its place, the former leadership refused to vacate office.