Following a previous takeover by a rival faction, Musiliu Akinsanya, the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), assumed control of the union’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
After recovering control of the facility, Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, visited the secretariat to assess damaged goods, according to a video posted by TVC on 𝕏.
The change occurred just hours after a union faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa took over the secretariat on Monday, claiming that the action was justified by court decisions.
After the takeover, Baruwa told reporters that the operation was done in accordance with legitimate court rulings.
“Despite our repeated assurances that we are a law-abiding union whose sole goal is to reclaim what is rightfully ours, their body language has not been encouraging,” he stated.
He said, “But today, as you can see, we are taking over in a peaceful manner, and it is not a forceful takeover but just carrying out the court’s orders.”
According to Baruwa, the union had officially informed the police of the impending action and sent copies of the rulings to back up their assertion.
“Again, please be aware that our coming here after two years is to occupy our office, having obtained judgments at both the lower court and the Appeal Court, but they refused to obey court orders after waiting for about two years,” he said.
“We made the decision to return to work today without resorting to violence, and here we are.”
Additionally, Baruwa claimed that during the event, a member of his faction was attacked.
“The issue is under control even though one of our members was attacked by the other faction and is currently in the hospital. Since we are a legitimate organization and not a nuisance, we are still amenable to reconciliation. “Everyone is subject to the law,” he said.
MC Oluomo Denies the Claim of the Rival Faction
In response, Akinsanya called the event a “forceful takeover” and insisted that the case was still pending.
He said he was not a defendant in the ruling that Baruwa cited in a statement he shared on his Instagram page on Monday.
“The National President wishes to inform members of the union and the general public that he was not a defendant in the purported judgment,” the statement said.
“A stay of execution has been properly entered, and the verdict has been appealed. He is aware that issues are still pending in court, but he has not interacted with Mr. Baruwa or anybody else.
Akinsanya reiterated his status as the national president of the union and stated that security forces continued to be in charge of the situation.
Security authorities are in charge of the situation. According to the statement, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya is still NURTW’s National President.
Additionally, he asked union members to maintain composure, peace, and adherence to the law while the conflict rages.
