Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to immediately reinstate Tajudeen Baruwa as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This follows court rulings that affirmed Baruwa’s leadership of the union.
In a statement released on Monday, Falana directed his appeal to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He emphasized the need to comply with the judgments issued by both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.
Falana recounted the incident on August 28, 2023, when armed individuals stormed the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja. “A gang of armed thugs invaded the national secretariat of the NURTW in Abuja. Tragically, one of the security personnel guarding the premises was killed during the invasion,” he said.
The aftermath of the attack saw Baruwa and 21 others detained by police on charges including criminal conspiracy and public disturbance. However, Falana noted that the murder charges against Baruwa were eventually dropped after the illegal occupation of the secretariat.
In March 2024, the National Industrial Court recognized Baruwa and his executive team as the legitimate leaders of the NURTW. The decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal on November 8, 2024. Falana stressed that the rulings are final and should be respected.
“In view of the foregoing, we call on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to ensure that Comrade Baruwa is restored to his office in strict compliance with the rulings,” Falana stated.
Meanwhile, Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, was elected as the new national president of the NURTW on November 10. The election, held at the union’s Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, was attended by delegates from four Southwest states.
Falana warned that ignoring court orders could damage public trust in the judicial system, adding, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” He urged the government to act swiftly and restore Baruwa to his rightful position.
