The National Industrial Court has handed off the case involving Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa’s ambition to return as president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) due to a lack of jurisdiction.
The court’s decision was made to avoid conflicting with the Court of Appeal, where the matter is already being heard.
The defendants’ counsel, Mr O.I. Olorundare SAN, informed the court that the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal, Abuja division and that the Industrial Court cannot continue to adjudicate on the same matter. The counsel cited authorities to support his claim, stating that the National Industrial Court cannot show concurrent jurisdiction with the Court of Appeal.
The presiding Judge, O.O. Oyewunmi, struck out the case, stating that the Appeal Court had taken over the matter and that the Industrial Court must respect the hierarchy of courts and allow the Court of Appeal to deal with the case.
With this judgement, both parties will now proceed to defend their positions at the Court of Appeal and await the final judgement.
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