Metro
NURTW draws President Tinubu’s attention to an attempted coup on the Union
***Asks President Tinubu to speak up over the unlawful invasion of their Abuja office
***says attempt to hand over their union as a war booty will fail
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately speak up over the attack on its national secretariat on Monday by a group of thugs and hoodlums who claimed to be acting on orders from above.
They said as a democrat and Chairman of ECOWAS leading troops to Niger over the forceful takeover of government in that country, he should not allow his men under his watch forcefully overthrow the elected leadership of a Trade Union.
A group who claimed to be Park Management Committee from Lagos, Ogun and Osun were alleged to have mobilized thugs and hoodlums to attack the National Secretariat of the union located at Garki 2 Abuja where injuries were inflicted on their members while the police and operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) looked the other way.
The National President, Comrade Baruwa Tajudeen who addressed a press conference at the NUJ press Center in Abuja on Monday said the police gave the hoodlums tacit approval and backing to carry out the attack adding that when they demanded to know the reason for the invasion they were told that it was an order from above.
According to him many of their members were injured in the attack.
“The events that unfolded earlier today are deeply troubling. We were dismayed to witness a large contingent of police officers, accompanied by thugs and hoodlums, under the directive of the IGP, cordoning off and invading our National Headquarters; the National Union of Road Transport Workers, situated in Abuja.
“This alarming act was carried out with the intent to undermine the democratically elected leadership of our Union, led by Comrade Baruwa to install a puppet leadership from Lagos State.
“We must emphasize that the interference of the Government in the internal affairs of a Trade Union, as witnessed today, is a blatant violation of democratic principles.
“It does not only contradict the established legal processes for addressing industrial disputes in Nigeria, as enshrined in our Constitution but also portrays the Nigeria Police Force, under the IGP’s leadership, as a violator of the very laws it is mandated to uphold.
“The National Union of Road Transport Workers questions the source of the IGP’s authority to intervene in trade union matters, especially when neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the IGP holds the role of a legal arbitrator in industrial disputes.
“We are perplexed by the IGP’s disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution, which, if allowed to persist, will undoubtedly lead to a breakdown of law and order in our beloved nation.
“We remind all stakeholders that Nigeria remains a democracy, and it is imperative for the government to uphold democratic principles in all its dealings.
“Attempting to overthrow a democratically elected leadership within NURTW or any trade union for that matter not only contradicts international labor conventions but also undermines the very essence of democracy in Nigeria, which the government is duty-bound to protect.
He called on all the state chapters to begin mobilization across the nation to resist this attempt at taking over their Union.
“Our Union is not a war booty that can be handed over as a trophy to anyone as a compensation for whatever reasons. We urge the IGP to immediately withdraw the police operatives and associated hoodlums from our National Secretariat.
“We strongly implore the Nigeria Police Force to cease interfering in the affairs of our Union and to refrain from further actions that jeopardize the rights and privileges of Nigerian workers and citizens.
“Should these unlawful actions persist, we, as responsible stakeholders in the labor movement, may be compelled to take necessary steps to protect the rights and interests of our members and the Nigerian people as a whole.
“Nigerians must unite to condemn these actions, as they represent a dangerous slide toward despotism and a disregard for democratic values.
“We call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to immediately take steps to save our great Union from the clutches of the forces of retrogression that are bent on hijacking it.
“We may be the target today but we know that the ultimate target is a take over of the entire trade union movement.
“It is said that what we condone today may come to haunt us tomorrow.”
According to him, intimidating and harassing trade union leaders and resorting to gestapo-style invasions of trade union secretariats are not the path to achieving the government’s stated objectives. “Our nation must operate within the bounds of established rules and regulations, and government agencies must be at the forefront of upholding these principles. “Any deviation from this course undermines our nation and leads to suboptimal outcomes for all.
*Finally, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, justice, and workers’ rights.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in condemning these actions and safeguarding our nation’s democratic values.”
The chairman of the FCT Chapter of the Union Alhaji Ibrahim Sanda Kuje who earlier addressed a press conference alleged that some aggrieved members of the Union from Lagos State led by Alh. Tajudeen Agbede Badru and former President of the Union, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin led a group of thugs with the support of Lagos State Chairman of Parks and Management, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) attacked the National Secretariat and injured many of our staff in the presence of security operatives deployed to prevent breakdown of law and order.
“It is worrisome to know that the Nigerian Police, Operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army were deployed to provide cover for these intruders who operated freely under the watch of armed security agents.
“They attacked and chased away all the National officers including the National President while the police watched them.
“We appeal to our members across the states to remain calm but be on standby.
“We hereby use this medium to call President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene as a matter of urgency and necessity to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT ) .
“The President should also call the Nigerian police and DSS to order and stop giving unnecessary backing to the disgruntled element who are out to cause confusion.
A multi-million naira revenue fraud syndicate operating under the guise of legitimate taxation has been uncovered, with fresh evidence pointing to a long-standing network of deception allegedly led by Engr. Emmanuel Osigbemeh, National Chairman of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN).
Investigations revealed that for over seven years, truck drivers and haulage operators have been forced to pay illegal levies, with receipts falsely stamped “In partnership with the Federal Government.”
The scheme, which reportedly rakes in millions of naira daily, has continued despite multiple petitions to authorities, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Documents seen by our reporters indicate that HDHTAN’s leadership attempted to secure presidential approval for their revenue-collection operations but were denied authorization. 
However, instead of halting their activities, they allegedly manipulated internal government communications to create the illusion of legitimacy.
A memo from the SGF’s office, originally sent to the police for comments, was allegedly leaked and later misrepresented as a government directive.
Armed with this fraudulent backing, HDHTAN operatives reportedly enforced levies across multiple states, with police officers unknowingly—or in some cases, willingly—providing cover for their operations.
Anti-corruption advocate Abayomi Makinde, who has been tracking the syndicate, raised concerns about possible collusion within the police and other security agencies. According to Makinde, HDHTAN officials worked with certain officers to alter official signals, changing the classification of their activities from “investigation” to “government collaboration.”
“While realizing the negative impact of the SGF’s response, they conspired with top security officials to modify internal communications and give their fraudulent operations a new face,” Makinde revealed.
Several truck drivers who spoke to our reporters described the extortion as a daily nightmare.
“We are forced to pay N10,000 every day just to keep moving. They tell us it’s a government fee, and if you refuse, they seize your vehicle,” said a driver who operates between Edo and Delta states.
Another transporter, who preferred anonymity, added, “This is not taxation, it’s outright theft. Everyone knows it, but nobody dares to challenge them because the police are involved.”
With mounting evidence and increased pressure from anti-corruption groups, the Tinubu administration faces a crucial test. Will the government crack down on the syndicate and recover lost revenues, or will these fraudulent practices continue unchecked?
Makinde has called on President Tinubu to issue a direct order to security agencies to dismantle the fraudulent network and prosecute those involved.
“Nigerians cannot afford to watch billions siphoned away while the country struggles with revenue shortages. This is not just fraud—it’s economic sabotage,” he declared.
As the scandal unfolds, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. Will this be another case of impunity, or will Nigeria finally see justice?
The Northern Senators Forum has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fire that swept through an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, claiming the lives of several young students.
Describing the incident as a heartbreaking loss, the forum extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the wider Zamfara community.
In a statement signed by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, the lawmakers not only mourned the victims but also called for immediate and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
“This is a devastating loss that touches every heart in our region,” the statement read. “We stand with the people of Zamfara in this time of grief and urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of this fire.”
Beyond the immediate mourning, the Northern Senators Forum stressed the need for systemic changes in how schools are regulated and managed.
The senators urged state Ministries of Education to implement strict supervision and accreditation processes to ensure all educational institutions meet basic safety standards.
“This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call,” Sen. Yar’adua stated. “No school should operate without adhering to stringent safety guidelines. The lives of our children depend on it.”
The Forum also called on the Zamfara State Government to step up support for the affected families, recommending not only financial compensation but also counseling services to help them cope with the loss.
“As we mourn, we pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest to the souls of the departed and gives their families the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement continued. “But prayers alone are not enough—we must ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.”
The Forum assured the public that it remains committed to pushing for legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding Nigerian schools. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work towards strengthening policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. It is our responsibility to create an environment where students can learn without fear.”
The Kaura Namoda fire has reignited national conversations about the safety conditions of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where infrastructural challenges and regulatory gaps often leave institutions vulnerable to disasters.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Education to implement the necessary reforms to prevent future tragedies.
A rare throwback photo captures Nigerian music superstar Davido at just six years old, standing alongside his father, Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. The image is more than a simple family moment—it represents a convergence of three influential figures, each leaving a mark in their respective industries.
Singer Davido, his father Adeleke and billionaire Dangote. Davido was six years old.
Aliko Dangote, at the time, was steadily building what would become the Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest conglomerates. Today, the Dangote Group operates across Benin, Ghana, Zambia, and Togo, with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, and flour production. Perhaps its most ambitious project is the Dangote Oil Refinery, a 650,000 barrels-per-day facility poised to be the seventh-largest oil refinery in the world, expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum.
Tajudeen Adedeji Adeleke, Davido’s father, has been a towering figure in Nigerian business as the founder of Pacific Holdings Ltd., which expanded into sectors like agriculture (Pacific Farms, Inc.), logistics (Pacific Freightliners Ltd.), energy (Pacific Gas Co. Ltd.), and banking (Pacific Bank Ltd.). He also served as a Director at Unity Bank Plc from 2006 to 2010, contributing to the financial sector’s development during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Davido, born into privilege, carved his own path in the entertainment industry. Today, he’s recognized as one of Africa’s biggest music stars, with international hits and multiple awards to his name. Despite his family’s business legacy, Davido’s success in music showcases his determination to create his own identity.
This photo serves as a powerful reminder that success is often born from persistence, vision, and the courage to follow one’s path. As the famous saying goes:
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
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