Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to respect a court ruling and reinstate Tajudeen Baruwa as the lawful President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Falana’s statement comes after the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled in favor of Baruwa, affirming his position as NURTW President. The ruling, which was delivered on November 8, 2024, has sparked controversy, particularly following the election of Musiliu Akinsanya, known as MC Oluomo, as NURTW President in Osogbo, Osun State.
Court Ruling Validates Baruwa’s Presidency
The appeal court’s decision upheld a previous ruling by the National Industrial Court in Abuja from March 11, 2024. The court ruled that Baruwa was rightfully re-elected as NURTW President, rejecting the leadership of MC Oluomo, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu.
The judgment was delivered by a three-judge panel consisting of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba, and Justice Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi. They unanimously affirmed Baruwa’s leadership, reinforcing the court’s authority in resolving the dispute within the NURTW.
MC Oluomo’s Election Declared Invalid
MC Oluomo’s rise to power came after an election held in Osogbo, Osun State, where he was declared the NURTW President. However, the Appeal Court found the election to be invalid, ruling that it did not comply with the necessary legal requirements. This has led to significant political and legal tensions, especially with Oluomo’s strong political connections.
Falana’s Call for Action
In response to the court’s ruling, Femi Falana urged the Nigerian government to restore Tajudeen Baruwa to his rightful position as the head of the NURTW. He called on the Tinubu administration to remove MC Oluomo from the position, citing the court’s decision as final.
“The court has spoken clearly, and it is now imperative that the government respects this judgment,” Falana said. “Baruwa is the legally recognized president of the NURTW, and the government must act in accordance with the law by reinstating him immediately.”
A Dispute Over Leadership
The dispute over NURTW leadership has been brewing for months, with tensions escalating between factions loyal to Baruwa and those supporting MC Oluomo. Baruwa’s supporters argue that his re-election was legitimate, while Oluomo’s camp insists that the election process was fair and transparent.
MC Oluomo, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, especially in Lagos State, is known for his close ties to President Tinubu. His supporters argue that his leadership is crucial for uniting the NURTW and advancing the interests of road transport workers across the country.
The Legal and Political Implications
The legal ramifications of the Appeal Court ruling are far-reaching. It directly challenges the validity of Oluomo’s election and calls into question the influence of political figures in union affairs. The NURTW has been a significant player in Nigeria’s labor and political landscape, and its leadership disputes often spill over into broader national politics.
Falana’s demand for the government to follow the court’s ruling highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the executive in Nigeria. While the judiciary has made its position clear, the government’s next steps will be crucial in determining the future of NURTW leadership and the union’s relationship with the state.
Political Pressure Mounts on the Tinubu Government
Falana’s statement is also a direct challenge to the political loyalty that MC Oluomo enjoys with the Tinubu government. The call for Baruwa’s reinstatement puts pressure on the administration to make a decision that could have broader implications for political alliances and union politics in Nigeria.
The case has sparked discussions about the role of the Nigerian government in regulating unions and its influence over labor organizations. The NURTW, with its vast network of workers in the road transport sector, plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, making the leadership battle all the more significant.
