MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions 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 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable luggage and controversy.

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 significantly, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring global travel bans 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 actually 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 issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide 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 actually progressed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars looking for to develop control over regional communities. This has caused changing what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in different reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling units and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in various legal challenges. Significant amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country expansion of what they see as a hazardous combination of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme debate and examination.

This advancement functions 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.