MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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 transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly called 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone 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 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

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, mentioning, “I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we must be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our ways of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes significant luggage and controversy.

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

Most significantly, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

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

The after-effects of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently 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 requiring worldwide travel restrictions versus him, mentioning his role in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They also raised issues about his capability 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 evolved from a basic trade union into a powerful political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently working as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an appealing partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has led to changing what was originally a transport employees’ 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 transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually typically been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot units and frightening citizens, particularly those viewed to be opposition supporters.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has caused numerous legal obstacles. 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 issues about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his supporters celebrate his capability to keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the prospective nationwide growth of what they see as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises broader concerns about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and examination.

This development works 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 processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.