The Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF), a leading advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and good governance, has expressed concerned over the unfolding events surrounding the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership crisis.
As an organization committed to promoting sanity and stability in Nigeria, we acknowledge the court judgments cited by Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, but strongly believe that the approach taken by all parties should adhere to due process and respect for the law.
At SMEF, we believe in the rule of law and the importance of due process. “An act of legal self-help born out of frustration” is not an excuse for taking the law into one’s hands. All parties should seek enforcement through the courts and relevant authorities.
We commend the security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Civil Defence Corps, for preventing a potentially volatile situation. Their professionalism and restraint are appreciated, and we acknowledge their role in maintaining peace. At SMEF, we believe that security agencies play a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting citizens.
We condemn any form of violence or lawlessness and reiterate our commitment to a violence-free Nigeria. SMEF urges all parties to respect the rule of law and allow the courts to resolve the dispute.
Some pertinent questions arise:
Why did Baruwa’s team not seek enforcement through the courts instead of taking matters into their own hands?
Why was there no attempt to engage with the Office of the President or relevant authorities before taking over the office?
As an organization dedicated to promoting good governance and peaceful conflict resolution, SMEF supports efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful means and urges all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and respect for the law.
Paragraph-by-Paragraph Reaction:
“The legal team of Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa has called for the arrest of Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and the enforcement of court rulings recognising Baruwa as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.”
SMEF acknowledges the court judgments but questions the approach taken by Baruwa, emphasizing the need for due process and respect for the law.
“On Monday, 23rd March 2026, Comrade Baruwa, exercising his lawful rights, moved into the NURTW National Office and took over peacefully. There was no resistance. There was no violence. This was not an act of thuggery; it was an act of legal self-help born out of the frustration of a man whose rights have been trampled upon despite possessing valid court judgments.”
SMEF disagrees with this stance, stating that “an act of legal self-help” is not an excuse for taking the law into one’s hands, and emphasizes the importance of respecting the rule of law.
“The Nigeria Police Force, which for 30 months refused to act on judicial pronouncements, suddenly materialised. Instead of arresting the illegal occupants who had held the office in defiance of the courts, the police arrested Comrade Ibikunle Baruwa, the man with the judgment.”
SMEF commends the security agencies, including the police, Nigerian Army, and Civil Defence Corps, for preventing violence and urges respect for the rule of law, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and restraint.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately direct the Inspector General of Police to arrest the illegal occupants of the NURTW National Office and restore Comrade Ibikunle Baruwa to his rightful position as affirmed by the Court of Appeal.”
– SMEF urges respect for the rule of law and due process, emphasizing that the courts should handle enforcement, and calls on all parties to prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution.
The Sanity Multi-Efforts Forum (SMEF) is a leading advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, good governance, and community development in Nigeria. We tackle the menace of illegality and nuisances, promoting sanity, stability, and progress in our nation, and urge all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, respect for the law, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
In conclusion, SMEF remains committed to promoting peaceful conflict resolution and urges all parties to prioritize dialogue, respect for the law, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Signed
Prince Dan Olaitain Dada, President of SMEF
