NURTW Challenges Police Authority’s Involvement in Trade Union Affairs, Citing Concerns Over Democratic Principles
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has expressed its skepticism about the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) authority to meddle in trade union matters.
The union’s President, Comrade Prof. Tajudeen Baruwa, spoke out during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The remarks come in the aftermath of a police operation at the NURTW’s national secretariat, which Baruwa denounced as “egregious and undemocratic.”
During the press briefing, Baruwa highlighted the NURTW’s concerns about the IGP’s actions, which it believes disregard the rule of law and constitutional rights.
The NURTW President asserted that such behavior could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the nation.
Moreover, the NURTW expressed solidarity with other labor movements, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), denouncing what it termed the “egregious and undemocratic actions” of the IGP and his team, led by Egbetokun.
Baruwa condemned the recent police invasion of the NURTW’s National Headquarters, emphasizing that this act threatened democracy and industrial harmony in Nigeria.
The NURTW President highlighted the significance of adhering to democratic principles and legal processes in addressing industrial disputes.
The NURTW urged its state chapters to mobilize nationwide against attempts to undermine its leadership. It called for the withdrawal of police forces from its National Secretariat and urged the Nigeria Police Force to halt its interference in union affairs.
The union warned that if such actions persisted, the labor movement would take necessary measures to protect the rights of its members and the people of Nigeria.
The NURTW’s strong stance against what it sees as an encroachment on democratic values calls for unity among Nigerians to counter such actions. It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take action to safeguard the integrity of the labor movement.
The NURTW concluded by highlighting that targeting trade union leaders and engaging in invasive tactics are not conducive to achieving the government’s objectives. It stressed the importance of operating within established rules and regulations and preserving democratic values in the nation.