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 actually sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway 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 process 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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want 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 ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable luggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 cited his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

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

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually 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 typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot systems and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused different legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and examination.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political processes.

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