Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to promptly reinstate Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Falana’s appeal follows recent judicial affirmations of Baruwa’s leadership and aims to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis within the union.
In a statement released on November 18, 2024, Falana urged Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce the judgments of both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, which have recognized Baruwa as the legitimate NURTW president.
Falana recounted the events of August 28, 2023, when armed individuals allegedly invaded the NURTW National Secretariat in Abuja, resulting in the death of a security officer and the unlawful seizure of the premises. Subsequently, Baruwa and his executive members were arrested and charged with murder, though the charges were later withdrawn.
Seeking legal redress, Baruwa approached the National Industrial Court, which, on March 11, 2024, confirmed his leadership of the NURTW. Dissatisfied factions appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s ruling on November 8, 2024, reaffirming Baruwa’s presidency.
Despite these judicial decisions, Baruwa has reportedly not been reinstated to his position. Falana emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and called on relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the court orders, thereby restoring stability within the NURTW.
