The lingering leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) escalated on Monday as police arrested factional president, Tajudeen Baruwa, despite a court order reportedly affirming him as the authentic chairman.
The arrest followed a dramatic takeover of the union’s National Secretariat in Abuja by members of the Baruwa-led faction.
Tension heightened during the incident as a supporter of the faction was reportedly shot when security operatives moved to disperse those present at the secretariat.
Details surrounding the shooting remained unclear as of press time, but the development further underscored the volatility of the crisis within the union.
Members of the Baruwa-led group were seen in a viral video taking control of the secretariat, removing and destroying portraits of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
The action signalled a bold attempt by the faction to assert control over the union’s leadership structure.
The NURTW has been embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis for over two years, following a disputed delegates’ conference meant to produce new national officers.
Despite the ongoing dispute, MC Oluomo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has continued to occupy the union’s National Secretariat.
Monday’s development, however, raised fresh concerns over law and order, as well as the role of security agencies in managing the crisis.
