MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – Businessday NG

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

In an advancement that has stimulated both event and issue across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising major concerns about the crossway of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from 4 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 visit 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 everybody who offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its conservation. We will not permit anybody to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes considerable baggage and controversy.

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

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo gained nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for the judgment All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a pal nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the incident caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political criminals apparently conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo citizens, preventing lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has 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 management design and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s management design is undesirable. He used union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide 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 progressed from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often serving as a vital grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship between transport 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, consisting of notable 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 between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of disrupting ballot units and intimidating voters, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has resulted in different legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe blend of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises broader 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 concerns of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of intense dispute and examination.

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

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