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 triggered both event and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called 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 considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the crossway of transport 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 candidate.

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 led to the visit 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, mentioning, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not enable anybody to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political thugs presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his doubtful leadership design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local communities. This has caused changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement 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 legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting polling units and intimidating citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as a hazardous blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive concerns 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 grapple with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme dispute and analysis.

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

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