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 stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection 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 process 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 approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed 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 includes significant luggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually emphatically 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 considerable issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial 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 almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transportation 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 involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of disrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

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

Future Implications

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

While his supporters commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential nationwide expansion of what they see as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation 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 consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme debate and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.