MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The process was monitored 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 likewise resulted in the appointment of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial luggage and debate.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political purposes marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. 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, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a dangerous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the country continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense dispute and scrutiny.

This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.