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 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 turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection 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 prospect.

The procedure was monitored 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to ruin our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial luggage and debate.

Allegations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually often been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually resulted in various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of extreme argument and examination.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.

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