Dare Babalola
There was a heavy security presence at the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja on Tuesday as Musiliu Akinsanya resumed at the facility following its earlier occupation by a rival faction.
Armed soldiers and police officers were seen stationed around the premises as Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, returned to the secretariat to inspect the extent of damage after reclaiming control.
A viral video captured the union leader moving around the complex, assessing vandalised sections of the property in the aftermath of the leadership tussle.
The latest development comes barely 24 hours after a group loyal to Tajudeen Baruwa stormed the secretariat and declared a takeover, citing court rulings they claimed validated their action.
Addressing journalists during the occupation on Monday, Baruwa maintained that his faction acted within the law, insisting the move was in line with judicial pronouncements.
He stated that his group had exercised restraint for nearly two years despite securing favourable judgments at both lower and appellate courts, accusing the opposing camp of refusing to comply with court orders.
According to him, the return to the secretariat was carried out peacefully and not by force, adding that security agencies had been duly notified prior to the action, although their response was, in his view, less than satisfactory.
Baruwa also alleged that one of his supporters was attacked during the process and is currently receiving medical attention, though he noted that the situation had been brought under control. He reiterated his faction’s willingness to pursue reconciliation, stressing that the union remains committed to lawful conduct.
However, Akinsanya had earlier rejected the takeover, describing it as unlawful. In a statement posted on his Instagram page, he argued that he was not a party to the judgment being referenced by Baruwa.
He further disclosed that the ruling in question has been challenged in court and that a stay of execution had already been secured, maintaining that the matter is still subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Akinsanya reassured members that security agencies are managing the situation and affirmed his position as the union’s national president. He also called on members to remain calm and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions as the dispute continues.
