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 stimulated both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transport 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 likewise led to the visit 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 everyone who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo‘s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and debate.

Accusations 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 notably, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function 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 mentioned his doubtful management design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed 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, often working 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 stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in different legal obstacles. Notable 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 issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement 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 debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and examination.

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

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