-Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa expressed happiness over the Appeal Court ruling that affirmed him as the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), emphasizing his belief in justice.
-Baruwa highlighted that his approach to resolving the leadership dispute was peaceful, stating he does not believe in violence and trusts the judicial system to deliver justice.
-He emphasized that, as a trade unionist, there are no winners or losers, and that all members, regardless of the court’s decision, are valued and should work together for the union’s success.
-Baruwa stated that there is no need to specifically reach out to members to calm them, as the key issue is that everyone should obey the law, which will create room for peaceful discussions. He stressed that the goal is to unite all members of the NURTW, whether they won or lost in court, to achieve greater success for the union.
-Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa expressed that he did not feel bad when he was removed as NURTW president in 2023, as he believes in the union’s slogan, “The struggle continues,” and chose not to fight back during the invasion of the NURTW national secretariat by thugs.
-Baruwa emphasized that despite the violent attack on the secretariat, he instructed his followers to remain calm and avoid violence, urging unity within the union. Reflecting on the legal battle, Baruwa admitted that while the outcome was uncertain, he remained hopeful and relied on God, confident that justice would prevail.
-Baruwa alleged that the thugs who attacked the NURTW national secretariat were brought from Lagos by his opponent, who had overstayed his term as president, causing conflict within the union.
-Despite the Appeal Court ruling on November 8, 2024, which removed Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) as NURTW president, Baruwa has not been reinstated, with the cause of the delay remaining unclear.
-Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa emphasized that his reinstatement as NURTW president must follow due process, and MC Oluomo cannot remain in the position despite the court ruling affirming Baruwa’s leadership.
-Baruwa claimed that MC Oluomo is not a member of the union and was never part of a legitimate election process, questioning how he was made president without following the union’s constitution.
-Baruwa denied any legal tussle with MC Oluomo, asserting that MC Oluomo cannot take legal action as he is not a valid member of the union, and there is no basis for further legal conflict. Baruwa acknowledged rumors suggesting a top government official may be supporting MC Oluomo, but stated he had no direct evidence of government interference in the union’s crisis.
-Baruwa reiterated his commitment to resolving union disputes peacefully, distancing the NURTW from violence and thuggery, and encouraging members to remain calm as the leadership issue is addressed legally.
Peoplesmind
