MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Leadership Newspaper

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

In a development that has stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly referred to as MC Oluomo, has 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising major questions about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features substantial luggage and debate.

Accusations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

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

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either choose the ruling 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 occurrence resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political goons apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for global travel bans against him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has actually vehemently 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 alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to 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 actually developed from an easy trade union into a powerful political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused transforming what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has actually been instrumental 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 often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot units and intimidating voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal difficulties. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the potential across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit likewise raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of extreme dispute and examination.

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

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