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 celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transportation 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 prospect.

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 approval speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo‘s ascension to the nationwide presidency features considerable baggage and debate.

Accusations 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 especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either elect the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political criminals apparently performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition requiring global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting 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 significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully 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 developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving 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 stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually caused changing what was originally 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 transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has actually 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 actually often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in different legal obstacles. Noteworthy among 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 important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future instructions and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises wider concerns about the need 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 problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and analysis.

This development functions as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the impact of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully watched by supporters and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.