MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – ThisDayLive

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

In an advancement that has stimulated both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, popularly called 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major 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 likewise led to the visit 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 everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant luggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, citing 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 doubtful leadership style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, indicating 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 developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of 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. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to numerous legal obstacles. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises broader 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 issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and analysis.

This development acts as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state stars in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.