Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has condemned the reported deployment of soldiers to escort Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo to the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja, describing the development as a troubling signal for Nigeria’s democratic and legal institutions.

In a strongly worded post on Monday, Effiong questioned the state of the country’s commitment to the rule of law, asking, “Is this the country that we want to leave for our children?”

His remarks followed the circulation of a video showing armed soldiers accompanying MC Oluomo and his supporters into the union’s national office.

The video, reportedly aired by TVC News, shows men in military camouflage entering the NURTW secretariat alongside MC Oluomo’s camp. They were seen moving through the premises, inspecting offices and allegedly evicting members of a rival faction.

Effiong argued that the presence of military personnel in what is essentially a civilian labour dispute raises serious concerns about the politicisation of security forces and possible disregard for judicial authority.

The development comes despite a reported ruling by the Court of Appeal in November 2024, which affirmed Tajudeen Baruwa as the legitimate president of the union and nullified MC Oluomo’s election.

The incident marks a fresh escalation in the long-running leadership crisis within the NURTW, with both factions continuing to assert control over the union’s structures and operations.

While Baruwa’s camp maintains that its actions are backed by court judgments, MC Oluomo has insisted he remains the union’s national president, citing ongoing legal processes.

Security agencies were said to have intervened to prevent clashes between the rival groups, as tensions heightened at the secretariat during the takeover.

Effiong’s criticism adds to growing concerns over the enforcement of court decisions and the role of security agencies in politically sensitive disputes, particularly as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.