The leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has expressed strong displeasure over what it described as attempts to undermine the rule of law and the union’s constitution.
This follows a publication by The Nation Newspaper titled, “South-West NURTW Chairmen Slam Baruwa Over Accusations Against Gbajabiamila.”
In a joint press statement titled: “NURTW Crisis: A Call For Justice Over Brazen Disregard For The Rule Of Law” released on Thursday, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, the NURTW National Vice President Chief Folorunso Salami and National Trustee Alhaji Abideen Olajide, popularly known as Ejiogbe, criticised the recent actions of individuals they referred to as “so-called Southwest chairmen” for defending alleged undue interference in the union’s affairs by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President Bola Tinubu.
Salami and Ejiogbe, who also serve as NURTW chairmen for Osun and Oyo States respectively, decried the actions of the chairmen, describing them as a betrayal of the union’s values.
“It is most unfortunate and disgusting to note that some ill-informed individuals parading as Southwest chairmen are trying to justify the flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the constitution of our union,” the statement read.
The duo further alleged that these chairmen were acting in personal interest, rather than prioritising the well-being of union members.
“Their utterances confirm our suspicion that the Chief of Staff is complicit in the blatant disregard for the rule of law by MC Oluomo,” they added.
The NURTW national leadership had previously declared the imposition of MC Oluomo as the union’s leader illegal and unconstitutional.
The statement reiterated that the judiciary had ruled in favor of the national leadership, but accused Gbajabiamila of continuing to support Oluomo’s claim.
“This is a clear case of undue interference and an attempt to undermine the democratic processes of our union,” the leaders said, urging members to remain calm and committed to the pursuit of justice.
Calling for public support, Salami and Ejiogbe appealed to Nigerians to reject what they termed as “a brazen attempt to hijack the union.”
They also urged Gbajabiamila to desist from meddling in the union’s affairs to ensure peace, law, and order.
The NURTW’s national leadership vowed to continue its legal battle to uphold democracy within the union, stressing its commitment to protecting the interests of its members.
