MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – The Nation Newspaper

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

In a development that has actually sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely known as 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe 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 candidate.

The process 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 visit 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not permit anybody to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

Allegations 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 significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on claimed the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political criminals allegedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel bans versus him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, 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 doubtful management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a simple trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors seeking to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually resulted in transforming what was originally a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot systems and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to numerous legal challenges. Notable among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the national leadership of the NURTW, concerns remain about the union’s future instructions and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the possible across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.