Falana To FG: Restore Baruwa as NURTW’s president without delay

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has urged the Federal Government (FG) to restore the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa, without no delay following his removal.

According to the report by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Falana called on top officials to take action, specifically, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that the judgments of the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal are strictly followed.

In a press statement released to the media on Monday, the SAN reflected on the events of August 2023, when the National Secretariat of the NURTW was invaded by thugs, which resulted in the death of security personnel, the seizure of the secretariat, and ultimately, the removal of Baruwa as president of the union.

Falana highlighted that the courts have officially recognized Baruwa as the legitimate president of the NURTW, following a successful challenge to the seizure of the union’s secretariat.

The press release titled: “FG SHOULD RESTORE COMRADE TAJUDEEN BARUWA AS PRESIDENT OF NURTW WITHOUT DELAY, read on August 28, 2023, the National Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja was invaded by a gang of armed thugs.”

“Tragically, one of the security personnel guarding the secretariat lost his life during the violent incident.”

“The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) secretariat invasion ended with the building’s seizure and the arrest of President Tajudeen Baruwa and his executive members on murder charges before a Federal Capital Territory Magistrate Court.”

“However, the murder charges were surprisingly dropped after the secretariat’s illegal takeover.”

“Comrade Baruwa took a bold step as a law-abiding citizen and sought legal recourse at the National Industrial Court and the court ruled in his favor on March 11, 2024, validating his position and that of his executive members as the rightful leaders of the NURTW.”

“Comrade Baruwa’s leadership has been reaffirmed! After his opponents appealed the initial judgment, the Court of Appeal made its decision on November 8, 2024, dismissing the appeal and upholding the National Industrial Court’s ruling that recognizes Baruwa as the legitimate President of the NURTW.”

“We urgently call upon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action in restoring Comrade Baruwa to his rightful office.”

“The restoration must be done in full compliance with the judgments of the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal,” the press release concluded.

Who is Femi Falana?

Femi Falana is a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, activist, and former President of the West African Bar Association (WABA).

Biography of Falana

Femi was born on May 20, 1958, in Ilawe, Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is married to Funmi Falana, and have 4 children including the popular Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz.

Education of Falana

The human right activist had his Bachelor in Law (LLB) in the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He was called to the Nigerian Bar (NBA) in 1982.

Career of Falana

Falana is the founder of the Femi Falana & Co. law firm. He is a human rights lawyer and activist.

Besides, the Nigerian lawyer is the Former President, West African Bar Association (WABA), Former Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), and Member, International Bar Association (IBA).

Notable Cases

The renowned lawyer represented Nigerian activists, including Dele Giwa and Ken Saro-Wiwa, challenged the Nigerian government on human rights issues, corruption, and rule of law, and led the legal team for the African Centre for Rights and Justice.

Awards and Recognition

Falana received Honorary Doctorate by the Ekiti State University in 2019, Lifetime Achievement Award, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2018, and the Human Rights Award, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2015.

Publications

He is the author, “Human Rights and Law: Essays in Honour of Prof. Ben Nwabueze” and has contributed to various law journals and publications.

Activism

The Ekiti born man advocates for human rights, democracy, and rule of law, criticizes government corruption and impunity, and supports social justice and equality.

Controversies

He was criticized for his vocal opposition to government policies and as well faces criticism from some quarters for his methods and affiliations.

Recent News

He was involved in a defamation case against VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Bobrisky.

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