Court Orders Oluomo-Led NURTW Faction to Vacate National Headquarters
By Ranti Thomas
A Federal court sitting in Abuja has ordered members of a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers occupying the union’s national secretariat to immediately vacate the premises.
The ruling followed a legal battle over the control and leadership of the transport workers’ union at the national level.
The court directed that the group led by Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa should take over the management and affairs of the union at the headquarters without delay.
The judgment was delivered by Justice E. D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
The case was filed to determine the rightful leadership authorised to operate from the union’s national secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory.
During the proceedings, the claimants argued that the defendants had no legal right to occupy the office or present themselves as officials managing the affairs of the union.
They asked the court to stop the defendants from using the headquarters and from acting in the name of the union.
After examining the evidence and submissions from both sides, the court ruled in favour of the claimants.
Justice Subilim ordered that the occupants linked to the defendants must vacate the premises and surrender possession of the secretariat.
The court also directed that all union documents, facilities and properties inside the office be handed over to the leadership recognised by the ruling.
In addition, the judge restrained the defendants and their agents from collecting tickets, levies or any union-related fees from members across the country.
The decision is expected to settle the dispute over the control of the national secretariat and return the management of the office to the leadership recognised by the court.