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 stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called 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 significant turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major 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– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The process 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 likewise resulted in the visit 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, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage and controversy.

Accusations 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 notably, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring global 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 transport workers, 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 questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to effectively 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 successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has actually caused transforming 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 increase 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, including notable participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition supporters.

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 vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a dangerous blend of transport union power and political influence.

The visit likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.

This development acts 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.