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 triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to 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 substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 resulted in 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, mentioning, „I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our methods of income.“

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable 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 vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed „Iya Chukwudi,“ the occurrence caused extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently conducted 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 requiring 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 transportation 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 cited his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant concerns.

The group stated, „MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members‘ well-being.“ They likewise raised issues about his ability to successfully lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as a crucial 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 actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transport employees‘ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including noteworthy participation 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. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling systems and intimidating voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Notable 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 necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters commemorate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective across the country growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises broader questions 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 face issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and scrutiny.

This advancement serves as a critical 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 begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.