MC Oluomo emerges 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 issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus 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 questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising serious concerns 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– 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 consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who upset me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable 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 judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the statement was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political hooligans apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for international 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 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to effectively 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 actually evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors seeking to establish control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, 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 been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been slammed for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling units and daunting citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually resulted in numerous legal challenges. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters commemorate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they see as an unsafe fusion of transportation union power and political influence.

The consultation likewise raises wider concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with concerns of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and analysis.

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

As MC Oluomo begins his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.