NURTW Crisis: Baruwa Seizes Abuja Secretariat, Displaces MC Oluomo

NURTW Crisis: Baruwa Seizes Abuja Secretariat, Displaces MC Oluomo

A major twist has emerged in the ongoing crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as Tajudeen Baruwa has taken control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, effectively displacing Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo

The development marks a significant escalation in the long-running NURTW leadership crisis, with both factions intensifying their struggle for control of the influential transport union.

Baruwa stormed the Abuja secretariat on Monday alongside supporters drawn from across the country, signaling a decisive move to enforce what he described as court-backed authority. His arrival and subsequent takeover of the facility represent a turning point in the dispute that has lingered for nearly two years.

Speaking to journalists shortly after gaining access to the premises, Baruwa insisted that his actions were lawful and fully aligned with judgments delivered by competent courts. He explained that his faction had earlier written to the Nigerian Police, attaching certified true copies of the rulings to ensure a peaceful and orderly return to the office.

Despite these efforts, he expressed disappointment with the response from security agencies, noting that their conduct did not reflect the level of cooperation expected in enforcing court decisions. He emphasized, however, that the takeover was peaceful and not an act of force, but rather a legitimate execution of court orders.

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Baruwa stated that his group had exercised patience for about two years while waiting for compliance from the opposing faction, which he accused of refusing to vacate the secretariat despite clear judicial pronouncements. According to him, the decision to reclaim the office was taken only after all peaceful and legal avenues had been exhausted.

Amid the tension surrounding the takeover, Baruwa alleged that members of the rival faction attacked one of his supporters, leaving the individual hospitalized. He maintained that the situation was under control and reiterated his commitment to peace, stressing that his faction remains open to reconciliation.

Backing his position, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said all necessary steps were taken before the move to reclaim the secretariat. He noted that the police had been duly notified of their intention to resume at the office in compliance with court orders and expressed satisfaction that journalists were present to witness the development.

The leadership dispute, which has dominated the affairs of the union for months, took a decisive turn following rulings by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, both of which affirmed Baruwa as the legitimate president of the union.

In suit number NICN/ABJ/263/2023, Justice O.O. Oyewumi of the National Industrial Court declared Baruwa as the duly elected president. The judgment was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in a ruling delivered on November 8, 2024.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi, dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin and other loyalists of MC Oluomo for lacking merit. The court also imposed a cost of N100,000 on the appellants, further reinforcing Baruwa’s claim to the presidency.

Despite these legal victories, the faction loyal to MC Oluomo has yet to fully concede, prolonging the crisis and raising concerns about potential instability within the union. Observers note that the NURTW power struggle reflects deeper issues of control, influence, and economic interests within Nigeria’s transport sector.

With Baruwa now in physical control of the national secretariat, attention is shifting to how security agencies and the rival faction will respond, as stakeholders call for a peaceful resolution to the lingering dispute.

NURTW Crisis: Baruwa Seizes Abuja Secretariat, Displaces MC Oluomo