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 triggered both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has become 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major 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– participated 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 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

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

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide 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 evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot systems and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful blend of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

This advancement acts 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.