MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Punch Newspapers

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection 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 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 led to 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 called for unity within the union, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to damage our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes substantial luggage and debate.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transport union structures for political purposes marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

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

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The after-effects of his threats emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable leadership style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a simple trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently acting 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 stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling units and daunting citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in different legal difficulties. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of important electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

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

The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive questions 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 face problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely seen by fans and critics alike, with significant ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.