NLC reacts to Industrial Court judgement affirming NURTW leadership

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has expressed satisfaction with the National Industrial Court’s ruling affirming Comrade Baruwa as the legitimate President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

This decision comes amidst a dispute between the Federal Government and the NLC leadership regarding an alleged attempt to remove the current President and replace them with another candidate clandestinely.

While reacting to the judgement, Ajaero said, “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress would like to commend the courage of the National Industrial Court for affirming the executive of Comrade Baruwa as the lawful leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

“The judgment is a tribute to the personal qualities of the Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice O. O Oyewumi, as well as the growing image of the National Industrial Court as a Court to reckon with, as a Court of justice and as a Court that would not readily cave in to the overbearing influence of the executive.

“At a wider level, it is suggestive of hope, freedom, justice and independence of thought in the judiciary for the judicial officers with requisite skill, knowledge and courage to take the right decisions.

“We may wish to recall the unlawful dislodgment of the Baruwa-led leadership, actively aided by the police.

“In spite of the openly partisan and dishonourable role played by the police in the matter, the Ministry of Labour did not summon the needed courage to ensure justice came the way of the Baruwa leadership.

“Eventually, this matter and the purported proscription of RTEAN became a sore point in our relations with the government, which in spite of its promise to have the issues resolved “in line with relevant ILO Conventions and the Nigerian Labour Act,” did nothing.

“It was this failure that led to the matter being taken to the National Industrial Court from whence came this laudable judgement.”