MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Nairaland

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

In a development that has stimulated both event and concern throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to 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 road in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s profession trajectory while raising major questions about the intersection of transportation unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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 also resulted in the consultation 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, stating, “I have actually forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anyone to destroy our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant baggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition calling for global travel restrictions against him, citing his function in prompting 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 alleged use of union resources for individual gain as significant issues.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is inappropriate. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised issues about his ability to effectively lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

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

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually led to changing 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 exhibits the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous 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 actually often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interrupting polling units and frightening voters, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused different legal obstacles. Significant among these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political influence.

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

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and examination.

This advancement functions 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 procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his tenure as National President, his actions will be carefully seen by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.