The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership has strongly criticized an online publication by The Nation Newspaper titled “South-West NURTW Chairmen Slam Baruwa Over Accusations Against Gbajabiamila.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, jointly signed by Chief Folorunso Salami, the National Vice President of NURTW, and Alhaji Abideen Olajide, the National Trustee, the union condemned attempts to undermine its constitution and the rule of law.
According to the statement, the union leadership expressed dismay at the actions of certain individuals claiming to be South-West council chairmen. “We strongly condemn the actions of these so-called South-West chairmen, who have shamelessly defended the undue and unwarranted interference in NURTW affairs by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff,” Salami and Olajide stated.
They labeled the individuals as “ill-informed” and accused them of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of union members. The statement also alleged that their actions reflected loyalty to illegitimate leadership, specifically citing MC Oluomo, who has been a contentious figure in the union’s leadership disputes.
The union leaders further criticized Gbajabiamila for his purported support of MC Oluomo despite court rulings affirming the national leadership’s position. They described this as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law” and urged the public to reject any attempt to hijack the union.
“The judiciary has ruled in our favor regarding MC Oluomo’s illegal claim to leadership. Yet, Femi Gbajabiamila continues to support this unconstitutional stance,” they said.
Chief Salami and Alhaji Olajide, who also serve as NURTW chairmen in Osun and Oyo states, called for calm among union members while they continue their legal battle.
In conclusion, they urged the Chief of Staff to respect the union’s autonomy, stating: “We request that the Chief of Staff kindly leave our union alone in the interest of peace, law, and order.”
