By Our Reporter, With Agency Reports
THE NATIONAL Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has strongly condemned the alleged invasion of its national secretariat in Abuja, describing the incident as an unlawful act that threatens the union’s stability. The union’s leadership is calling for restraint and a strict adherence to legal protocols amid an ongoing leadership dispute.
In a statement to journalists on Tuesday, the union’s General Secretary, Mr. Kayode Agbeyangi, detailed the events of the previous day, asserting that the actions of a rival faction constituted a dangerous disregard for due process.
The protest stemmed from a visit on Monday by Mr. Tajudeen Baruwa, who arrived with a group of supporters to assert his claim to the union’s presidency.
Mr. Baruwa’s actions were reportedly based on his interpretation of existing court rulings.
Mr. Agbeyangi emphasised that the alleged takeover was executed without prior notice or any semblance of legal authority.
He expressed dismay that such direct action was taken while multiple legal cases pertaining to the union’s leadership remain pending before the courts.
“The individuals involved came without notice or legal authority and forcefully gained access to the secretariat,” Mr. Agbeyangi stated. “It is unfortunate that such actions were taken despite ongoing legal processes and pending cases before competent courts. We believe strongly in due process and will continue to pursue lawful means to address this matter.”
Describing the scene, the General Secretary noted that the incident unfolded early Monday morning, around 7 a.m., and involved a group he described as hoodlums.
He alleged that the group proceeded to vandalise property and remove items from the secretariat. He confirmed that no staff or officials were present at the time, a fact he suggested helped avert a potentially violent confrontation.
Mr. Agbeyangi further clarified that the union has already filed an appeal and secured a stay of execution on the contentious judgment being cited by Mr. Baruwa’s faction.
He called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the protection of lives and property at the union’s headquarters, urging all stakeholders to respect the judicial process and avoid self-help.
In a separate reaction, the union’s National President, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, also condemned the attack and vandalism.
He distanced himself from the legal judgment being invoked by his rival, noting that he was not a defendant in the 2023 National Industrial Court ruling that had declared Mr. Baruwa the duly elected president.
“I wish to inform members of the union and the general public that I was not a defendant in the purported judgment,” Mr. Akinsanya said. “The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered. I have not engaged with Mr. Baruwa or any individual.”
The latest incident marks the most recent escalation in a protracted leadership crisis within the NURTW.
The dispute traces its origins to elections held in 2022, which yielded conflicting results and spawned a series of legal battles.
While Mr. Baruwa claims legitimacy based on the 2022 elections and subsequent court rulings, Mr. Akinsanya and his supporters have challenged these outcomes, citing procedural irregularities and the ongoing appeals.
The contested leadership has left the union’s national secretariat as a recurring flashpoint for tensions.
