The leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday as Tajudeen Baruwa assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, displacing the faction loyal to Musiliu Akinsanya.
Baruwa, who arrived at the secretariat with supporters from across the country, told journalists that his action was backed by court rulings affirming him as the legitimate president of the union.
According to him, the union had earlier notified the Nigeria Police Force, attaching copies of the judgments to facilitate the recovery of the secretariat, but received no encouraging response, prompting the decision to reclaim the office.
“We are here to peacefully take back what belongs to us in line with court orders. This is not a forceful takeover but a lawful action,” Baruwa said, adding that the union remained open to reconciliation despite reports of an attack on one of his members.
Supporting the move, the union’s General Secretary, Suleiman Musa, said those previously occupying the premises had ignored multiple appeals to vacate, despite court directives.
The takeover follows a series of legal victories for Baruwa. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria had earlier affirmed him as the duly elected president of the union, a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The appellate court dismissed a challenge by rival members, including allies of Akinsanya, ruling that the appeal lacked merit and reinforcing Baruwa’s claim to the union’s leadership.
The development marks a new twist in the prolonged power struggle within the NURTW, with tensions still simmering between the rival factions.