Falana Demands Immediate Reinstatement of Baruwa as NURTW President
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has urged the Federal Government to reinstate Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in line with court rulings affirming his leadership.
This follows recent developments in which Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, was sworn in as NURTW President in Abuja despite judicial verdicts recognizing Baruwa as the rightful occupant of the office.
Legal Victory for Baruwa
In a statement issued on Monday, Falana called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to enforce rulings by the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal. These rulings declared Baruwa the legitimate leader of the transport union.
Falana recounted the legal battles and the events that led to the dispute, emphasizing the violent takeover of the NURTW Secretariat in Abuja on August 28, 2023.
“A gang of armed thugs invaded the National Secretariat of the NURTW, resulting in the death of a security guard,” he stated. “Following this violent incursion, the Secretariat was seized, and Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa along with his Executive members were wrongfully arrested and charged with murder. The murder charge was later withdrawn, but the illegal seizure of the Secretariat persisted.”
Court Rulings Uphold Baruwa’s Leadership
Baruwa’s leadership was legally affirmed when the National Industrial Court ruled in his favor on March 11, 2024. Opponents of his leadership escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal, which upheld the earlier judgment on November 8, 2024, confirming Baruwa as the rightful President of NURTW.
Falana highlighted these judicial victories, stating: “The Justices of the Court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the judgment of the National Industrial Court, thereby affirming Comrade Baruwa’s presidency.”
Call for Federal Action
Falana urged immediate action to restore Baruwa, stressing that the continued non-compliance with court rulings undermines the rule of law.
“In view of the foregoing, we call on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that Comrade Baruwa is restored to his office in strict compliance with the judgments of the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal,” he stated.
Falana’s demand underscores the importance of upholding judicial authority and ensuring that leadership disputes within key organizations like the NURTW are resolved within the framework of the law.
