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 actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious 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– participated 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 also resulted in the consultation 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 forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be dedicated to its conservation. We will not enable anybody to ruin our means of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant luggage and debate.

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

Most notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event resulted in widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition requiring international travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

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

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved 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, often working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has actually caused transforming what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting ballot systems and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in different legal challenges. 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 essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo assumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his ability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful combination of transport union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the nation’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.