NLC Reacts to Arrest of NURTW National President, Others

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the arrest of the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Tajudeen Baruwa, by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

Raye24reporters reported that police officers arrested Baruwa, the union’s General Secretary, Anthony Asogwa Chukudi; National Trustee, Olayi Odion; and the Principal Assistant Secretary, Abdulrasak Yemi.

According to the Deputy President of the union, Isa Ore, the union’s officers are currently being detained at the Wuse Zone 3 Division in Abuja.

Reacting to the incident at an event in Abuja on Monday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the Inspector-General of Police is now doing the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Ajaero stated that the Police Chief does not have the prerogative to address both inter and intra-union disputes, adding that the Ministry of Labour should wake up to their responsibilities.

He said: “The Inspector General of Police is now performing the duty of the Ministry of Labour. The duties of the Ministry of Labour include addressing the issues, both inter and intra-union disputes. They’re not within the purview of the Inspector-General of Police.

‘’I think there is a need for the Ministry of Labour to know that they don’t have the right to usurp your function. If they do that, the Ministry of Labour will go into extinction, and there will be no basis for the ministry to remain.

“I say it’s illegal. We demand an apology from the IGP to have arrested or even contemplated to arrest the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers for whatever reason on the eve of an election. It’s unheard of in the history of this country, and never again should that be entertained.”

Ajaero added that the Nigerian Police Force is part of the Nigerian workforce, and the NLC leadership would not waste time marching to their office.

He added: “The Nigerian Police are Nigerian workers, and we will not waste time to march to their office. Let them use the same gun that was bought with workers’ salaries and tax to engage us now. So I felt I should balance.

‘’You have advised us; we have to advise you too. Go and collect your functions from the Police and from the Ministry of Justice.