By our Editor
The leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has taken a new turn as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja.
Baruwa’s takeover followed court rulings that recognised him as the legitimate president, displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Speaking after taking over the secretariat, Baruwa said his actions were backed by judgments from both the lower court and the Court of Appeal.
He explained that the union had earlier informed the Nigerian Police about its plan to reclaim the office, attaching copies of the court rulings.
According to him, the response from authorities was not encouraging, which led to another notice declaring their intention to resume at the secretariat.
Baruwa said the takeover was peaceful and not forceful, adding that they were only carrying out the court’s directive.
He also noted that the union had waited for about two years for the court orders to be obeyed before taking action.
The NURTW General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said those occupying the office had refused to leave despite several appeals.
Court rulings from the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed Baruwa as the duly elected president of the union.
The appellate court also dismissed an appeal filed by loyalists of MC Oluomo, upholding the earlier judgment and confirming Baruwa’s leadership.