Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, is demanding that the Federal Government immediately reinstate Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), citing court rulings that affirm his leadership. Falana’s plea, directed at the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasizes the need for strict adherence to the judgments delivered by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal. The call comes after a series of events that have highlighted just how messy and deadly Nigerian union politics can get.
What They Are saying
Falana’s statement, titled “FG Should Restore Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa As President Of NURTW Without Delay,” sheds light on a chaotic situation that unfolded earlier this year. On August 28, 2023, a group of armed thugs stormed the NURTW’s national secretariat in Abuja, tragically killing a security guard during the attack. The thugs, in a brazen act of political maneuvering, took control of the secretariat and forcibly removed Baruwa and his executive team. As if that wasn’t enough drama, Baruwa and 21 others including three other top union officers were arrested, charged with a list of serious crimes, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and public disturbance. They were detained at the now-infamous facility of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), also known as the “Abattoir.”
Falana, ever the legal eagle, pointed out that despite Baruwa’s legal victories, his opponents have refused to let go. The fight reached the Court of Appeal, where, on November 8, 2024, the court dismissed the appeal and upheld the National Industrial Court’s ruling, confirming Baruwa as the rightful NURTW president. Falana has made it clear that these judgments are final and must be respected by all parties, including the government.
The Senior Advocate didn’t hold back in his criticism, warning that failure to enforce the rule of law in this case would send a dangerous message. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he declared, urging the Federal Government to act decisively.
Why It Matters
Meanwhile, as the legal battles continue, the union’s leadership remains in confusion. On November 10, 2024, Musiliu Akinsanya, better known as MC Oluomo, was elected as the new national president of the NURTW. The election, which took place at the union’s Zonal Secretariat, was far from competitive, Akinsanya was the sole candidate. Delegates from four Southwest states Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti participated in the election, which, according to reports, was nothing more than a mere formality.
Baruwa and his team were initially charged with murder, but that charge was quickly withdrawn and struck out after the secretariat was illegally seized. This entire situation raises the question, If Baruwa was wrongfully removed from office and faced false charges, why hasn’t the government moved swiftly to right this wrong? Clearly, it’s easier to let the political games play out and hope that the public forgets. But as Falana warns, dragging your feet on this issue could have severe consequences for public confidence in the rule of law.
Bottom Line
The battle for control of Nigeria’s most influential transport union continues, with a legal victory on Baruwa’s side, but political forces at play may have other ideas.
