MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Leadership Newspaper

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

In an advancement that has actually sparked both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has 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 happened at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns 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 prospect.

The procedure 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 likewise led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, specifying, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we should be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with significant luggage and controversy.

Allegations 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, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained national attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks supposedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international travel bans against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has actually 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 leadership style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the national 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 follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has progressed 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 important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to develop control over local communities. This has actually caused changing what was originally a transportation workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interfering with ballot units and frightening voters, particularly those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually led to various legal difficulties. Noteworthy among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of important electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his advocates celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country expansion of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the country continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme argument and analysis.

This advancement functions as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions 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 carefully seen by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.