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 stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly 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 happened 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 transportation 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 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 also resulted in 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation 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 cited his doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has led to transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ 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 rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting polling systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst 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 vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense debate and examination.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely watched by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.