Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa Speaks on His Reinstatement as NURTW President and the Union’s Future

Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, recently affirmed as the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the Court of Appeal, discusses the delay in his reinstatement, his leadership philosophy, and the future of the union in this interview with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE.

How do you feel about the court ruling affirming you as the NURTW president?
I am very happy. Justice prevailed, and it shows that Nigerians can rely on the courts for fairness. I believe in peace, which is why I sought legal resolution rather than violence. This judgment brings joy to our members, proving that the courts can deliver justice.

Have you reached out to those who lost in court to promote unity within the union?
As a trade unionist, I see no winners or losers. We are all members of the same union, provided we adhere to its laws and those of the country. My goal is to foster unity and work together for the benefit of the NURTW.

How have you calmed members of the union to avoid further disputes?
There is no need to calm anyone. The law must be obeyed. Once that is done, we can engage in constructive dialogue to address any lingering concerns.

What was your reaction when you were removed as NURTW president in 2023?
I wasn’t disheartened because I believe in the union’s slogan, “The struggle continues.” I wasn’t truly removed; thugs invaded our office, and I chose not to retaliate. I urged my followers to remain peaceful to protect the union’s integrity.

Did you ever lose hope during the legal battle?
Hope lies in God, and I trusted Him throughout the case. Court outcomes are unpredictable, but I believed justice would eventually prevail.

What led to the attack on the union’s national secretariat in Abuja by armed thugs?
Everyone knows the thugs were brought from Lagos and sponsored by my opponent, who overstayed his tenure as president. He spent nine years in office, surpassing the constitutionally allowed two terms.

Why have you not been reinstated as NURTW president despite the court ruling?
The law must take its course, and due process must be followed. Neither MC Oluomo nor I are above the law. The court has ruled, and it’s only a matter of time before I am reinstated.

Has MC Oluomo reached out to you since the judgment?
I won’t comment directly, but I’ll say this: MC Oluomo is junior to me and, as of now, no longer a member of the union.

If MC Oluomo is not a member, how did he become NURTW president?
There was no legitimate election. Our elections occur every four years, and the last one was held in May and August. The claims of an election are baseless.

Are you concerned MC Oluomo’s ties to President Tinubu could delay your reinstatement?
I’m not worried. I am also a Yoruba man and a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress. All Nigerians are children of President Tinubu, and I trust the rule of law.

What’s your response to claims of government interference in the NURTW crisis?
I have no evidence of government involvement, though rumors suggest certain officials support MC Oluomo. However, I focus on facts, not hearsay.

NURTW is often associated with violence. How do you plan to change this perception?
We do not condone violence. When thugs attacked our secretariat, we didn’t retaliate. Our members are law-abiding. I am a father of professionals, and I cannot afford to be linked to thuggery. Those who engage in violence are not true members of our union.

What is your message to union members?
I urge all members to remain calm. The court has spoken, and I will soon resume office. Our focus should be on unity and progress, not conflict.