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 triggered both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transport 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 likewise resulted in 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 required unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most notably, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political goons presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions versus 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 emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often acting as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship 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 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was implicated of interfering with polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful blend of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises more comprehensive 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 issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

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

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