MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – The Nation Newspaper

MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has actually sparked both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 considerable milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major 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 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 led to 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, specifying, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable luggage and debate.

Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation 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 function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring global travel restrictions against him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a basic 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 politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation 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 exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interrupting polling units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to various legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his fans celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment 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 come to grips with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme debate and analysis.

This advancement acts 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.