Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
Jalingo, Taraba State – The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Taraba is embroiled in a crisis following alleged interference by some state lawmakers in the recent election of branch officials for Sabon-Gida Takai in Gassol Local Government Area.
Inauguration Turns Chaotic: An attempt by state officials to inaugurate already elected officials of the Sabon-gida branch descended into chaos when Hon. Abdullahi Musa Abubakar, representing Gassol 1 in the State Assembly, reportedly mobilized soldiers to disrupt the proceedings.
Stakeholder Speaks Out: Alhaji Mukhtari Ajuji, a stakeholder in the Taraba NURTW, addressed journalists in Jalingo, detailing the events and his expulsion from the union along with his members.
“I have served as the Secretary of the Heavy Trucks branch for over 31 years,” Ajuji lamented. “This is unprecedented. The NURTW is for drivers; it’s our union, isn’t it?”
Accusations Fly: Ajuji claims that Hon. Abubakar insisted on installing his supporters, who are not even union members, as officials. Furthermore, he alleges that the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly and Hon. Abubakar instructed union officials to expel his group and join another union.
Reasoning Questioned: “When I asked why, they told me that Hon. Abubakar complained to them that I and my members should leave the union and be replaced with his preferred individuals,” Ajuji stated, bewildered.
Unprecedented Situation: Ajuji emphasized that this is the first time he has witnessed such interference in the union’s affairs. “All other 66 branches in the state were inaugurated successfully. Why not Sabon Gida Takai?” he questioned.
No Legal Recourse: Despite the injustice, Ajuji opted not to pursue legal action against the union, citing the availability of alternative unions like NARTO and TREAM. He expressed gratitude to Allah for his successful tenure and acknowledged the need to move on.
Violence Erupts: The chaos triggered clashes between members, thugs, and security personnel, resulting in injuries. Abazarri Mukhtari Ajuji, a victim, recounted his ordeal.
“Hon. Abubakar brought thugs to disrupt the inauguration and threatened my life,” Abazarri recounted. “I was attacked with machetes, bottles, and knives, but Allah protected me.”
Defiance in the Face of Intimidation: Abazarri expressed his determination to protect his fellow members and the people of Sabon Gida Takai.
Financial Allegations: Another victim, Jibrin Suleiman, the former Assistant Secretary of the Sabon-gida Takai branch, raised concerns about alleged financial wrongdoing.
“We paid our dues to the union, only to be told that Hon. Abubakar has an interest in the union,” Suleiman said. “He’s not even a member! This is an internal matter. How can he dictate what happens?”
Unanswered Questions: Suleiman further hinted at possible financial inducements offered by Hon. Abubakar to union officials, though they lack concrete proof. He also described being chased out of the inauguration hall by suspected thugs hired by Hon. Abubakar.
Silence from Accused: Attempts by our correspondent to reach Hon. Abubakar and state union officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Unresolved Conflict: The saga surrounding the NURTW elections in Sabon-Gida Takai leaves unanswered questions and unresolved tensions. The impact of this incident on the union’s internal dynamics and the broader political landscape in Taraba remains to be seen.