The National Union of Road Transport Workers: A State Within a State
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has evolved into a powerful entity that operates with little oversight from the government, effectively becoming a state within a state. This situation is deeply troubling in a country that claims to be governed by the rule of law. What was once a union established to protect its members’ interests has devolved into an organization that thrives on violence and impunity.
For 48 years, the NURTW has been a significant force in Nigeria’s transportation sector, but it has strayed far from its original purpose. Instead of advocating for fair treatment and better working conditions, it has become a battleground for power struggles, often resulting in bloodshed. The union’s strength lies in its ability to collect substantial dues and levies from drivers, which fuels its operations and enables its leaders to engage in violent conflicts over control.
The current leadership tussle between Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya and Tajudeen Baruwa has brought this issue to the forefront. Their rivalry has led to physical confrontations, including a recent clash at the NURTW national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where three members were injured. Both factions claim to have legal grounds for their actions, with Baruwa asserting that he was legally recognized as president following a Court of Appeal ruling. However, the Oluomo faction disputes this, claiming that the judgment has been appealed and that a stay of execution has been granted.
This conflict highlights the lack of effective governance within the union. The police have been involved in several incidents, including the arrest of Baruwa and six others following a violent confrontation at the headquarters. According to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, approximately 300 individuals armed with cutlasses, bottles, bows, and arrows were involved in the incident.
The NURTW’s history is marred by violence, with numerous clashes leading to deaths and injuries. In December 2019, a one-week bloody conflict in Lagos resulted in the death of two people. In October 2020, a prominent NURTW leader, Ade Basket, was arrested for involvement in political unrest. More recently, in 2023, Baruwa and 21 others were arrested during a violent clash in Abuja, where one person was killed.
The situation raises several questions about the legitimacy of both parties’ claims. Is the Oluomo faction truly appealing the court’s decision? Has the Baruwa faction been properly served with appeal papers? Are they using the appeal as a pretext to justify their actions? These uncertainties underscore the need for a thorough and impartial investigation by the police.
The relationship between the NURTW and various governments is complex and mutually beneficial. While the government provides support and resources, the union’s members are often used as enforcers during elections. This dynamic has historical roots, with past governments leveraging the NURTW to maintain control. For instance, during the Second Republic, the defunct National Party of Nigeria used the Oshodi Unit under Adebayo Ogundare to counter opposition forces in Lagos.
Oluomo, a staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu, has close ties with several governors. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s appointment of Oluomo to head the Lagos State Parks Management Committee, despite his suspension by the NURTW, exemplifies this relationship. Such appointments raise concerns about the misuse of power and the disruption of public peace.
To address these issues, the Nigerian government must take decisive action. The National Assembly should consider implementing full e-elections to prevent ballot hijacking and other forms of electoral fraud. This would render the NURTW and similar groups irrelevant during elections, reducing their influence on public affairs.
The police also have a critical role to play. They must demonstrate professionalism in all cases, ensuring that justice is served without bias or favoritism. The NURTW’s recent attempts to resolve disputes through legal channels offer a glimmer of hope, and this approach should be encouraged and supported.
Ultimately, the NURTW must be held accountable for its actions. Its leaders must understand that their actions have real consequences, affecting not only their members but also the broader public. The time has come for meaningful reforms that will restore the union’s original purpose and ensure that it operates within the bounds of the law.
