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Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the federal government to reinstate Tajudeen Baruwa as the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), following recent court rulings in his favor.
In a statement issued on Monday, Falana specifically appealed to Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to enforce the decisions of both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. It is imperative for the federal government to act swiftly and restore Comrade Baruwa to his rightful position,” Falana stated.
On November 8, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed Baruwa’s re-election as the national president of the NURTW. The ruling, delivered by Justices Hamma Barka, Nnamdi Dimgba, and Asmau Akanbi, dismissed the appeal filed by Najeem Yasin, Tajudeen Agbede, Aliyu Isa Ore, and several others, imposing a cost of N100,000 against the appellants.
The appellate court upheld an earlier judgment by the National Industrial Court from March 11, 2024, which had resolved a prolonged internal dispute and confirmed Baruwa’s leadership.
Meanwhile, on November 9, Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya, former Lagos State NURTW chairman, was elected as the union’s national president at a zonal meeting held in Osogbo, attended by delegates from Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states. The development has faced criticism from various quarters.
Falana, however, insisted on adherence to the rule of law, stressing that Baruwa’s reinstatement is crucial for maintaining order within the union.
He warned that failing to enforce the court’s decisions could erode public trust in the justice system.
“In light of these rulings, we urge the Attorney General and the Inspector General of Police to ensure that Comrade Baruwa is reinstated in accordance with the court’s directives,” Falana asserted.