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 triggered both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure’s career 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 candidate.

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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation 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 citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment 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 caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has 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 actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling units and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused various legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises wider 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 come to grips with problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This development serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

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