The union said the alleged interference by the police and government in the internal affairs of a trade union did not only contradict the established legal processes for addressing industrial disputes in Nigeria, as enshrined in the Constitution but also portrays the Nigeria Police Force, under the IGP’s leadership, as a violator of the laws it is mandated to uphold.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution the Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun not to truncate the democratic process of the union.
The union said the alleged interference by the police and government in the internal affairs of a trade union did not only contradict the established legal processes for addressing industrial disputes in Nigeria, as enshrined in the Constitution but also portrays the Nigeria Police Force, under the IGP’s leadership, as a violator of the laws it is mandated to uphold.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, called on the state chapters to begin mobilisation across the nation to resist any attempt to take over the union by some disgruntled elements.
Baruwa queried the source of the IGP’s authority to intervene in trade union matters, especially when neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the IGP holds the role of a legal arbitrator in industrial disputes.
He said, “We are perplexed by the IGP’s disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution, which, if allowed to persist, will undoubtedly lead to a breakdown of law and order in our beloved nation.
“The events that unfolded earlier today are deeply troubling. We were dismayed to witness a large contingent of police officers, accompanied by thugs and hoodlums, under the directive of the IGP, cordoning off and invading our national headquarters; the National Union of Road Transport Workers, situated in Abuja.
“This alarming act was carried out with the intent to undermine the democratically elected leadership of our union, led by Comrade Baruwa, and install a puppet leadership from Lagos State.
“We must emphasize that the interference of the government in the internal affairs of a trade union, as witnessed today, is a blatant violation of democratic principles. It not only contradicts the established legal processes for addressing industrial disputes in Nigeria, as enshrined in our Constitution but also portrays the Nigeria Police Force, under the IGP’s leadership, as a violator of the very laws it is mandated to uphold.
“We remind all stakeholders that Nigeria remains a democracy, and it is imperative for the government to uphold democratic principles in all its dealings.
“Attempting to overthrow a democratically elected leadership within NURTW or any trade union for that matter not only contradicts international labour conventions but also undermines the very essence of democracy in Nigeria, which the government is duty-bound to protect.
“The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) calls all its state chapters to begin mobilization across the nation to resist this attempt at taking over our union. Our union is not a war booty that can be handed over as a trophy to anyone as compensation for whatever reasons.
“We urge the IGP to immediately withdraw the police operatives and associated hoodlums from our national secretariat. We strongly implore the Nigeria Police Force to cease interfering in the affairs of our union and to refrain from further actions that jeopardize the rights and privileges of Nigerian workers and citizens.”
Baruwa said the union would be compelled to take necessary steps to protect the rights and interests of its members and the Nigerian people as a whole if the alleged interference continued.
