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 sparked both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as 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 significant milestone in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the crossway of transportation 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 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 led to 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anybody to destroy our ways of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes considerable luggage and controversy.

Claims 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 notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the development of a petition calling for international travel bans versus him, mentioning his role in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, disregarding members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating 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 actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over local communities. This has actually resulted in changing what was initially a transportation workers’ union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

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

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually led to numerous legal obstacles. Notable among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the possible across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises wider questions about the requirement 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 problems of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme debate and scrutiny.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by advocates and critics alike, with substantial ramifications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.