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 triggered both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 turning point in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising major 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– 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 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 actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency features 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 especially, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the statement was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political thugs allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for global travel bans versus him, citing his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

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

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management design is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively 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 developed 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 important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport workers’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal difficulties. Significant 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 concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential across the country growth of what they see as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also raises more comprehensive concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and scrutiny.

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

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