MC Oluomo Reaffirms Presidency Amid NURTW Leadership Crisis and Abuja Secretariat Invasion
Musiliu Akinsanya, widely recognized as MC Oluomo, has firmly defended his claim to the role of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). This declaration comes in response to a recent leadership challenge and the invasion of the union's national secretariat in Abuja, orchestrated by Tajudeen Baruwa and his supporters.
Baruwa's Takeover Attempt and Legal Claims
In the early hours of Monday, Tajudeen Baruwa and his faction stormed the NURTW national secretariat, asserting that their actions were supported by two court judgments delivered in Baruwa's favor. Baruwa claimed to have written to the Nigerian Police to assist in recovering the secretariat but expressed disappointment over the lack of encouraging responses. This led him and his supporters to proceed in what they described as a peaceful manner to assert control over the union's headquarters.
MC Oluomo's Response and Legal Clarifications
Reacting to the crisis that unfolded at the secretariat on Monday, MC Oluomo clarified that he was not a defendant in the court judgments being cited by Baruwa to justify the takeover. He emphasized that the ruling has already been appealed, with a stay of execution granted, effectively halting any immediate enforcement of the judgments. Akinsanya further stated that he has not engaged in any discussions with Baruwa or other involved parties, noting that the cases remain pending in court and are subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Call for Calm and Security Measures
While addressing the situation, MC Oluomo assured NURTW members across the country that the matter is currently being handled by security agencies. He urged all union members to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, and to avoid any actions that could disrupt public order or escalate tensions. This appeal aims to maintain stability within the union and prevent further conflicts during this period of leadership uncertainty.
The ongoing tussle highlights the deep-seated divisions within the NURTW, with both sides leveraging legal arguments to bolster their claims. As the situation develops, the involvement of security forces and the judicial system will be critical in resolving the dispute and ensuring the union's operations continue without disruption.
