NURTW Leaders Unite For Union’s Progress

The Leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) may soon be over as the key figures in a factional group led by Alhaji Najeem Yasin reconciled with the National President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa. The reconciliation which was led by the Vice President North West, Alh. Alhassan Haruna, […]

The Leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) may soon be over as the key figures in a factional group led by Alhaji Najeem Yasin reconciled with the National President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa.

The reconciliation which was led by the Vice President North West, Alh. Alhassan Haruna, popularly known as (313) alongside the Vice President North Central, Alh.Salisu Adamu was aimed at putting to an end the lingering crisis that has rocked the union for the past nine months.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday during a press conference, Baruwa said the move by the two leaders from Najeem’s led faction indicated the union’s readiness to work together as a family just as he said, “no victor; no vanquished”

Baruwa said: “After about nine months of conflict and division, we believe the time has come for us to come together and work as a family that we are, and for future understanding, forgiveness, and cooperation in the interest of our great Union.

“Following the judgment of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division delivered on 11th March, 2024, my very good friend, and colleague Alh. Alhassan Haruna (313), a major and key actor from the other side, who is sitting by my side has decided to embrace peace and reconciliation as a law abiding citizen who strongly believes in the rule of law.

“He has therefore come here today with his teeming supporters to publicly declare their support and solidarity.

“We recognize the pain and suffering that has been inflicted on all sides and acknowledge the need for healing and reconciliation. We urge all parties to put aside their differences and engage in open and honest dialogue, with a willing heart to listen and learn.

“We know that reconciliation is difficult, but we are committed to seeing it through. Let us therefore embrace peace, as crisis is an ill wind that blows no one any good and should therefore be avoided.

“As we all know, in the Trade Union movement, there is no permanent friend or enemy, but permanent Comradeship and interest. I therefore, declare that there is “No victor, No vanquished, it is rather a win – win situation for all of us’.

On his own part, Alhassan said they have no option than to support Baruwa in moving the union forward since the industrial court has declared him as validly elected President of the union.

“Today we are making reconciliation with President Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa because we have some misunderstanding nine months ago. We tried to solve this problem but because of interest of some people.”

“Last month the industrial court declared that Baruwa is the validly elected President of NURTW. That is why for me and my people we don’t have any objection . We agreed with Allah has said that Baruwa is the President.

“We therefore use this medium to call on all our members across the country to join Baruwa as President.”

He said he withdrew his support for Najeem Yasin because he wanted the union to move forward and only Baruwa can take the union to greater heights.

Present at the meeting were; Vice President South East , Eugene Eze, National Trustee, Chief Herbert Iwuji , Oyo State Chairman and National Trustee, Alh. Olajide Abideen Abimbola , National Trustee, Chief Odion Olaye and other National officers.

It would be recalled that Justice O.O Oyewumi of the National Industrial Court had on March 11,2024 affirmed Baruwa as validly elected President for the union for a second term.

The court granted all the reliefs sought by the claimants except in relief 1 in the Originating Summons. Relief 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8,9 and 10 were granted in favour of Baruwa and others.

“Relief 9 succeeds only to the extent that the 1st defendant ( Alhaji Najeem Yasin ) as Chairman Board of Trustees has no right to interfere in the day to day running of the affairs the union. As the role of the board of trustees, is only limited to advisory role and does not include interfering with the running of activities of the Union.

The court also declared the action of the 4th Defendant (Kayode Agbeyangi) who has been parading himself as Acting General Secretary as null and void, unlawful and of no effect therefore affirming Comrade Suleiman Abdulkadir as Acting General Secretary of the union.