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NURTW Crisis : Power Shift As Baruwa Reclaims Secretariat

Published

6 months ago

March 23, 2026

Mariam Sanni

The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa has taking over the leadership mantle in union secretariat on the order of the verdicts handed down by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) and the Court of Appeal in Abuja respectively.

It could be recalled that the crisis, which statted in August 2023 from leadership tussle, led to forceful takeover of the union National secretariat at some point before it degenerated into legal brawl between two factions of the union.

Baruwa while speaking to pressmen at the secretariat in Abuja, said his action was based on the judgements of the court .

He explained that the union had written the Nigerian police with copies of the judgments so that they can take back our secretariat.

Responses from them he noted had not be encouraging, a situation which made the union wrote another notification a few days ago, informing them of its resolve to takeover the secretariat to continue his work as directed by the two courts.

“Their body language has not been encouraging despite repeated assurance that we are not going back to forment any trouble as we are a law abiding union whose only mission is to get back what belonged to them.

“But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not also a forceful takeover but just carrying out the courts orders.

“Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years, we decided to resume back at the office today without causing any violence and here we are.

“Although the other faction matcheted one of our members, who is now in the hospital, but the situation is under control. We are still open to reconciliation as we are a lawful organization and not a troublemaker. No one is above the law.” Baruwa stated.

The General Secretary, Comrade Suleiman Abdulkadir Musa, said despite repeated appeals, the illegal occupants were adamant and refused to leave.

“We have notified the police that on the order of the court, we are coming back to our office today and we are glad that journalists are here to witness it so that the world will know what is going on here,” he said .

Baruwa, a claimant to the NURTW seat, had kicked against the inauguration of Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo as the new President of the union.

Earlier, too, the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal had prohibited interference in the operations of the Baruwa-led NURTW executive.

The NICN in his ruling in suit No. NICN/ABJ/263/2023, delivered by Hon. O.O. Oyewumi, affirmed Baruwa as duly elected President of the Union.

In the same vein, the appellate court in Abuja also in a judgment, delivered on November 8 on the appeal marked:CA/ABJ/CV/293/2024, with a certified true copy (CTC) confirmed Baruwa as the legitimate president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The decision upholds an earlier judgment of the lower court, which was delivered on March 11, 2024, where Baruwa was recognized as the union’s president.

A three-member panel comprising Justices Hamma Akawu Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Ojuolape Akanbi dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Usman Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, and others, ruling that the appeal lacked merit. It, therefore, upheld the industrial court’s decision, which validated Baruwa’s presidency.

The appellate court further awarded N100,000 in costs against the appellants, who are known loyalists of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.

Appellants in the appeal (who were defendants before the NICN) are Yasin, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, Alhaji Aliyu Ore, Kayode Agbeyangi, Alhaji Alhassan Haruna 313, Aliyu Tanimu and Alhaji Hakeem Adeosun.

Respondents in the appeal (who were claimants before the NICN) are Baruwa, Bello Adamu, Eugene Job, Danjuma Saidu, Prince Isah Usman, Suleiman Adamu and Odion Olaye JP.
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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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