Power struggle deepens as court-backed takeover sparks tension in Abuja
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Abuja — Tension gripped the nation’s capital on Monday following the arrest of Tajudeen Baruwa after he led members of his faction in a bold attempt to take over the National Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The dramatic confrontation is the latest twist in a protracted leadership crisis within the influential transport union, pitting Baruwa against Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
Court Ruling Sparks Showdown
The attempted takeover follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court on March 12, which reportedly ordered MC Oluomo to vacate the office of the union’s president. The court further directed Baruwa to assume leadership, a judgment that has intensified the already volatile power tussle within the union.
Acting on the court’s directive, Baruwa and his supporters moved to enforce the ruling by physically occupying the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja.
Eyewitnesses described a tense scene as members of the rival factions converged on the premises, raising fears of a breakdown of law and order.
Police Intervention and Arrest
Security operatives swiftly intervened to prevent escalation. In the process, Baruwa was arrested alongside an unspecified number of his supporters.
Sources within the security agencies confirmed that the intervention was aimed at maintaining peace and preventing violence, given the history of clashes associated with factional disputes in the union.
“The situation was getting out of hand. The police had to step in to avoid chaos,” a security source said under condition of anonymity.
Rising Tensions, Uncertain Outcome
As of press time, details surrounding the circumstances of Baruwa’s arrest remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether charges will be filed or if he will be released after questioning.
Attempts to obtain official statements from the police authorities and representatives of both factions of the NURTW proved unsuccessful.
The development has heightened tensions around the secretariat, with a noticeable increase in security presence and restricted access to the premises.
A Union in Crisis
The NURTW, one of Nigeria’s most powerful labour unions with significant influence in the transport sector and grassroots politics, has been embroiled in internal conflicts over leadership and control.
Analysts warn that the latest incident could deepen divisions within the union and potentially disrupt transport operations in parts of the country if not swiftly resolved.
For now, all eyes remain on the authorities and the judiciary as stakeholders await clarity on the enforcement of the court’s ruling and the fate of the union’s leadership.
