Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former governorship candidate of Lagos and Labour Party/ADC political figure, has condemned the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), declaring that “violence is not the monopoly of anyone.”

Speaking in a fresh address, Rhodes-Vivour said attempts by some quarters to paint NURTW as the only source of turmoil in Lagos politics are unfair and inaccurate. He asserted that political violence has many faces, and is often used selectively by people who seek to shift blame.

He made the comments after recent reports of unrest linked to transport union agents, allegations of thuggery, and claims from political opponents that NURTW members are being used as instruments of intimidation. Rhodes-Vivour stressed that opposing groups should also be held accountable when violence occurs, not just a single entity like NURTW.

“Intimidation, force, coercion… these tools don’t belong to just one group,” Rhodes-Vivour stated. “If we want peace, then everyone who spreads violence must be condemned, regardless of their uniform, union, or affiliation.”

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The reaction from Lagos social media and grassroots voices has been strong. Supporters of Rhodes-Vivour applauded his message as one of truth and consistency; critics argue he’s deflecting from specific accountability by making sweeping generalizations.

As of this publication, neither NURTW nor local government authorities have publicly responded to Rhodes-Vivour’s remarks.