By Luminous Jannamike
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has issued a fervent plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
The call came amidst a brewing leadership crisis within the union, with former President Najeem Usman Yasin refusing to vacate the union’s National Secretariat in defiance of a court order.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, the current President of the union, emphasized the urgent need for intervention to avert a potential breakdown of law and order.
He highlighted the gravity of the situation, citing Yasin’s contemptuous remarks in a viral video where he dismissed the court’s authority and proclaimed intentions to install new leadership.
“We are aware of a video on social media where Alhaji Najeem Yasin gathered some people and allegedly telling them that there is nothing the court can do,” stated Baruwa.
He expressed deep concern over Yasin’s defiance of the court order restraining him from meddling in the union’s affairs.
Nevertheless, he urged union members across the country to remain calm, assuring them that relevant authorities would ensure compliance with the court’s verdict.
He reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law and urged all parties to respect the legal process.
Tolu Babaleye, the union’s lawyer, underscored the importance of upholding the court’s decision and called upon key authorities to enforce it without delay.
He recounted how Yasin’s faction orchestrated a coup d’état to seize control of the National Secretariat, aided by unjust arrests of Baruwa and other members.
“On 11th March 2024, a judgment was delivered affirming Alh. Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa as the validly elected President of the union for a second term,” Babaleye stated.
He emphasized the court’s ruling in favor of Baruwa and his executive council.
The court’s decision, Babaleye explained, invalidated Yasin’s interference and nullified the actions of individuals like Kayode Agbeyangi, who claimed positions unlawfully.
He noted that the court affirmed Suleiman Abdulkadir as the Acting General Secretary, restoring stability to the union’s leadership structure.
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