NURTW secretariat reportedly attacked by thugs, men in police uniform

A group of thugs and hoodlums, reportedly accompanied by individuals dressed in police uniform, have been accused of launching an attack on the National Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned this unauthorized intrusion into the NURTW secretariat.

Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, along with Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary, issued a joint statement on Monday in Abuja, denouncing the incident. They revealed that the thugs had apparent police escort during the attack.

This revelation was made in the context of a resolution reached during an emergency National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja on Monday. The NAC deliberated exhaustively on the unlawful invasion of the NURTW National Secretariat.

Ajaero conveyed the outcome of the meeting, stating, “NAC-in-session consequently resolved to demand the immediate vacation of the illegally occupied national secretariat of the NURTW by the Police and thugs within 48 hours of this resolution.”

Furthermore, Ajaero expressed concern over the allegations linking President Bola Tinubu to the incident and called for a clarification. He emphasized, “To demand that President Bola Tinubu being a product of democracy clears his name which is being peddled by those who have committed this brigandage and unconstitutionality from further being used to scuttle democracy.”

He warned that if timely action is not taken, the NLC could mobilize its affiliates in support of the legally elected NURTW leadership and its members across the nation.

Ajaero pointed out the recent instances of the Nigeria Police interfering in the internal affairs of the NURTW and other unions. He criticized the police for overstepping their authority in industrial disputes, contrary to the stipulations of the nation’s industrial relations regulations.

“The IGP has acquiesced on the invasion of the national Secretariat with a view to dethroning a legally elected leadership and installing a stooge in the Union without lawful order,” Ajaero added, emphasizing that this action could lead to violence and unrest.

He underscored the gravity of the situation, mentioning the possibility of a national shutdown due to this undemocratic event. In light of this concerning development, Ajaero stressed the urgent need to prevent further escalation.