Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has commended the National Industrial Court Abuja for its judgment that affirmed Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa as the authentic national leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
In a statement signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and made available to journalists in Abuja Monday night, the Congress said; “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress would like to commend the courage of the National Industrial Court for affirming the executive of Comrade Baruwa as the lawful leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.”
NLC went further to say that the judgment is a tribute to the personal qualities of the Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice O. O Oyewumi as well as the growing image of the National Industrial Court as a Court to reckon with, as a Court of justice and as a Court that would not readily cave in to the overbearing influence of the executive.
“At a wider level, it is suggestive of hope, freedom, justice, and independence of thought in the judiciary for the judicial officers with the requisite skill, knowledge, and courage to make the right decisions.
“We may wish to recall the unlawful dislodgment of the Baruwa-led leadership actively aided by the police.
“In spite of the openly partisan and dishonourable role played by the police in the matter, the Ministry of Labour did not summon the needed courage to ensure justice came the way of the Baruwa leadership.
“Eventually, this matter and the purported proscription of RTEAN became a sore point in our relations with the government which in spite of its promise to have the issues resolved “in line with relevant ILO Conventions and the Nigerian Labour Act”, did nothing.
“It was this failure that led to the matter being taken to the National Industrial Court from whence came this laudable judgment,” the statement further read.
