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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has explained why the police and other security agencies should not enforce a judgement obtained by a former president of the union, Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa.
NURTW’s National Officer, Uwem James, at a press briefing in Abuja, explained that the judgement obtained by Baruwa was targeted at the wrong parties and in defiance of various court orders.
He further stated that the union has several pending court cases challenging Baruwa’s eligibility to hold office and the legitimacy of the elections conducted by him.
According to him, Baruwa had conducted elections for the union leadership despite a court order to maintain the status quo.
He said: “The National Vice President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede (2019-2023) and five others from the south-west had on 12th April 2023 filed an action in suit No. NICN/LA/111/2023 at the Lagos division of the National Industrial Court challenging the eligibility of Baruwa to hold elections based on the ground that the Ogun state government (Baruwa home state) had barred the union from operating.
“NURTW was nonexistent in Ogun State, hence could not claim to represent the state. Also, the court ordered parties in the case in Lagos Division to maintain the status quo pending hearing and determination of all pending applications, including interlocutory injunctions to restrain the conduct of any election by the union.
“The applications are still pending till today, but Baruwa, in a contemptuous manner and despite being aware of this order, defied the same and went ahead to declare himself president of the union without recourse to the union constitution and originating summons.”
He called on the relevant authorities, including the Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of State Security, to disregard the judgement and allow the pending court cases to run their course.
The NURTW has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, with two factions vying for control of the union. The crisis has led to tensions and conflicts among members, with some calling for a peaceful resolution.
