MC Oluomo elected as NURTW president – The Nation Newspaper

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

In a development that has actually stimulated both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya Akinsanya, commonly called MC Oluomo, has emerged as 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 roadway in Osun State, marks a considerable milestone in the questionable figure’s career trajectory while raising severe concerns about the intersection 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 led to 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 required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to damage our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency includes substantial luggage 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 got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling 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 occurrence caused widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political goons presumably conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to recognize Igbo voters, preventing numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the production of a petition calling for worldwide travel restrictions against him, mentioning his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, 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 management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.

The group specified, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He used union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, pointing to 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 evolved from an easy trade union into a powerful 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 political leaders.

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

Political Influence and Violence

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

His methods of operation have frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and intimidating citizens, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to various legal difficulties. Significant amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of vital electoral procedures.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management 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 keep order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide growth of what they view as a hazardous fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The consultation also raises wider questions 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 come to grips with concerns of democratic consolidation and ethnic harmony, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a subject of extreme argument and scrutiny.

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

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