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 stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called 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 road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transportation 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 likewise led to 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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically 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 design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working 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 communities. This has resulted in transforming what was originally 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 documented in different reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with ballot units and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his ability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.