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 issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has actually 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transport 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 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 also 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable baggage and controversy.

Accusations 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 especially, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political hooligans 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 production of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in prompting 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to successfully lead the national 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 working as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has contributed 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 frequently been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and intimidating voters, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in various legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the potential across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation likewise raises more comprehensive questions about the need 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 harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and examination.

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

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