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 stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major 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– took part 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 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 called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who angered me, and I want those I offended would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to ruin our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant baggage 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 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

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

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually progressed from a basic 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, typically serving as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, 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 numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including notable 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 genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling units and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country growth of what they view as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the country continues to face problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by supporters and critics alike, with significant implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.