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 sparked both event and issue 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 an agreement 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 substantial turning point 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 four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

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 appointment 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 angered me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features significant baggage and debate.

Allegations 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 especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals apparently carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the development of a petition requiring international 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 emphatically 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 significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy 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 functioning as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout 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 management 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 hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the need 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 concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme argument and analysis.

This advancement functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.