A landmark ruling from the National Industrial Court in Abuja has solidified Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s position as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The court has nullified the leadership of the Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede-led Chairman Caretaker Committee.
In her judgment, Justice O. O. Oyewumi affirmed Baruwa’s reelection during the Zonal Delegates Conference held on May 24, 2023, for a second term. She deemed his presidency legitimate and validated the proceedings of the Quadrennial National Delegate Conference conducted on August 23rd, 2023.
Additionally, the court declared the national delegates conference convened on October 25, 2023, as illegal and unconstitutional. This conference purportedly led to the emergence of an “Acting President,” Alhaji Isa Ore, and his National Administrative Council, which the court deemed illegitimate.
The ruling emphasized that there was no evidence of a crisis within the union, negating the need for a caretaker committee as invoked under the ‘doctrine of necessity’. This move was previously deemed unnecessary and unconstitutional.
The judgment also addressed the forceful takeover of the union’s secretariat in Garki 2, Lagos, by the Lagos State Park Management Committee led by Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, on August 28, 2023. This action, accompanied by a violent attack on national officers and staff, was strongly condemned.
Baruwa and four other national officers were arrested on September 13, 2023, prompting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to vacate the union’s secretariat. The NLC accused the police of interfering in the union’s affairs and emphasized its support for the legally elected leadership of the NURTW.
The communiqué from the NLC, signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, warned against any attempts to disrupt the union’s affairs, cautioning that such actions could escalate into violence.
This ruling marks a significant turning point in the leadership dynamics of the NURTW, providing clarity and legal validation to Baruwa’s presidency while underscoring the importance of adherence to due process and democratic principles within trade unions.
