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 sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway 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 consultation 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 actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning 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 buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring global travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo‘s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided 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 assumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful blend of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport 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 harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense argument and examination.

This advancement functions 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 begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.