A section of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing leadership dispute within the union.

The controversy arises from concerns over the union’s leadership structure and alleged procedural irregularities. 

In an open letter dated December 24, 2024, and published in a national daily, the union’s President, Alhaji Ibikunle Tajudeen Baruwa, appealed to the President for immediate action to resolve the matter. The letter, titled “SOS: A Passionate Appeal for Your Immediate Intervention; Re: Leadership Crisis in NURTW,” outlined the challenges facing the union and called for adherence to constitutional processes. 

Baruwa noted that the leadership dispute began when the union, under his leadership, sought legal redress at the National Industrial Court in Abuja. On March 11, 2024, the court ruled in favor of Baruwa’s faction. This decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal on November 8, 2024. Despite these rulings, Baruwa alleged that actions inconsistent with the court’s decisions have continued to undermine the union’s leadership. 

The letter explained that Baruwa was re-elected for a second term on May 24, 2023, and was sworn in on August 21, 2023, in accordance with the union’s constitution. However, he claimed that on August 28, 2023, a group of individuals disrupted the union’s operations at its national secretariat, creating further instability. 

The union members expressed concerns that external influences might be affecting the leadership structure, undermining the union’s constitution and the rule of law. They urged the President to investigate these claims and ensure due process is followed. 

The letter concluded with an appeal to President Tinubu to use his office to resolve the crisis, emphasizing the need for fairness, democracy, and the rule of law within the union. 

The NURTW leadership reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful and lawful resolution of the issues, while calling for urgent intervention to restore stability and unity in the union.