The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has expressed outrage over the alleged invasion of its national secretariat in Abuja, describing the incident as illegal and disturbing.

The union’s general secretary, Kayode Agbeyangi, while addressing journalists on Tuesday, stressed that the alleged takeover violated due legal process.

On Monday, Tajudeen Baruwa reportedly led his supporters to take control of the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja, asserting his claim to the union’s presidency based on court rulings.

Mr Agbeyangi noted that the alleged invasion was carried out without notice or legal backing.

“The individuals involved came without notice or legal authority and forcefully gained access to the secretariat. It is unfortunate that such actions were taken despite ongoing legal processes and pending cases before competent courts.

“We believe strongly in due process and will continue to pursue lawful means to address this matter,” he said.

He added that the incident occurred early in the morning, resulting in vandalism and the removal of union property.

“They came as early as 7:00 a.m. with hoodlums and carried out the act without recourse to the law, vandalising property and removing items from the secretariat.

“We were not served any notice, and there are clear legal processes for enforcing judgments. Taking the law into one’s hands is unacceptable,” Mr Agbeyangi said.

The general secretary said no officials were present during the incident, preventing possible confrontation or escalation of violence.

He disclosed that the union had filed an appeal and obtained a stay of execution on the purported judgment, which he described as contentious.

“Due legal processes must be followed in executing court judgments, and self-help must be avoided. Several related cases involving the union are still pending before courts, and we urge all stakeholders to respect judicial processes,” he added.

Mr Agbeyangi also called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure the protection of lives and property at the secretariat.

In his reaction, the national president of NURTW, Musiliu “MC Oluomo” Akinsanya, described the attack and vandalism of the secretariat as unfortunate.

He noted that he was not a defendant in the judgment relied upon by Mr Baruwa and that the ruling had been appealed with a stay of execution already in place.

“I wish to inform members of the union and the general public that I was not a defendant in the purported judgment.

“The judgment has been appealed, and a stay of execution has been duly entered. I have not engaged with Mr Baruwa or any individual,” he said.

The National Industrial Court had in 2023 declared Mr Baruwa the duly elected president of the union.

The latest development is the latest chapter in a long-standing leadership tussle within the union.

The dispute dates back to internal elections held in 2022, which produced conflicting outcomes and multiple court cases.

Mr Baruwa claimed he was duly elected, but rival factions, including supporters of Mr Akinsanya, have challenged his presidency, citing irregularities and pending legal matters.

Several rulings and appeals have followed, leaving the leadership structure of NURTW contested and the secretariat the scene of repeated tensions.

(NAN)