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 event 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 an agreement 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 controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious questions 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 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

Claims 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the production of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport 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 mentioned his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, indicating 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 progressed from a basic 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 functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transport 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 transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting polling units and frightening voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in various legal difficulties. Notable amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The appointment also raises broader concerns 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 grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.