The leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers escalated on Monday as Tajudeen Baruwa took control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, displacing Musiliu Akinsanya.
Addressing journalists after the takeover, Baruwa said his actions were backed by court rulings that affirmed his position as the legitimate president of the union. He explained that the union had earlier notified the police, attaching copies of the judgments to facilitate a smooth handover, but received little cooperation.
According to him, the takeover was carried out peacefully and in line with the law, after waiting nearly two years for compliance with court orders. He insisted that the move was not an act of force but a lawful step to reclaim what rightfully belongs to his faction.
Baruwa also revealed that although there was a minor attack on one of his supporters during the process, the situation remained under control. He maintained that his group is still open to reconciliation, stressing that no one is above the law.
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Supporting his position, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said repeated appeals to those occupying the secretariat had been ignored, leaving them with no choice but to act on the court’s directive.
The leadership tussle dates back to disputes over the union’s presidency, with Baruwa opposing the emergence of MC Oluomo. However, both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal have upheld Baruwa’s leadership, dismissing appeals filed by loyalists of Akinsanya.
Despite the legal victories, the crisis within the union appears far from over, as tensions continue between the rival factions.
