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 sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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 procedure 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 also led to 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 called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant baggage and debate.

Claims 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 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting 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 alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple 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, frequently functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation 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 exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with ballot units and frightening voters, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused numerous legal difficulties. Notable among 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 assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible across the country growth of what they see as a dangerous combination of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.