MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In an advancement that has sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure was supervised by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The election also resulted in the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and debate.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, citing his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting polling systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused different legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and scrutiny.

This advancement works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.