The President of National Union Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Prof. Tajudeen Baruwa, has regained his freedom from police detention.
He warned union members not to make incendiary statements that could jeopardise the union’s stability.
The warning came against the backdrop of the union’s misunderstanding, which resulted in the deployment of police to’safeguard’ its secretariat.
Baruwa, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, explained the events that led to his imprisonment on August 11, 2023, alongside former Lagos State head of the union, Tajudeen Agbede.
The police intervention, he claims, was conducted in response to plans by certain union groups to stage a protest at the national secretariat in Garki 2, Abuja.
“We are calling on our members across the states to be calm, peaceful and law-abiding in their daily activities,” said Baruwa.
He encouraged members to prioritise the interest of the union above personal matters, saying: “We want to assure you that the matter is being addressed and it will soon be resolved.”
The NURTW president also appealed to members to remain lawful and avoid any behaviour that could disrupt public peace.
He stressed that the union had maintained peace over the years and would not tolerate any threat to its track record and successes.
On a positive note, Baruwa commended the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, under the leadership of Joe Ajaero for their swift intervention during the crisis.
“We want to use this medium to express our appreciation to the Nigeria Labour Congress, our members at the state councils, and branches for their support and intervention on the issue,” he added.
Baruwa urged state chairmen and members to work collectively towards the resolution of the current dispute and focus on uplifting the union.
“We are working towards resolving the issue in question,” he assured, urging members to go about their usual activities without any fear,’’ he said.