NURTW crisis: “Overturn MC Oluomo’s inauguration, it’s illegal” – Femi Falana tells FG

Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has asked the Nigerian federal government to restore Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria was reacting to the election of Alhaji Musliu Akinsaya, popularly known as MC Oluomo as the union’s National President.

In reaction, NURTW leadership, led by Alhaji Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa, declared the inauguration of MC Oluomo as illegal, null, and void, citing rulings from the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal that affirmed Baruwa as the legitimate president.

Falana in a statement, advised 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 as national president of NURTW without further delay.

Part of the statement read: “As a law-abiding citizen, Comrade Baruwa approached the National Industrial Court for legal redress.

In a judgment delivered on March 11, 2024, the Court confirmed Comrade Baruwa and members of his Executive as the elected leaders of the NURTW.

“Dissatisfied with the judgment, the opponents of Comrade Baruwa appealed to the Court of Appeal. On November 8, 2024, the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment.

The Justices of the Court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the judgment of the National Industrial Court which had recognised Comrade Baruwa as the President of the NURTW.

“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”.