MC Oluomo emerges NURTW President – Premium Times Nigeria

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

In an advancement that has actually stimulated both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has become 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 substantial turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious questions about the crossway 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 process 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 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 required unity within the union, mentioning, “I have forgiven everyone who offended me, and I want those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be dedicated to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

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

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

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

He was captured on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, warning them to either elect the ruling 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 occurrence caused prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political goons supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the creation of a petition calling for 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 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 mentioned his doubtful management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s management style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, neglecting members’ welfare.” They also raised concerns about his capability to effectively lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable 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 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, typically functioning as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an appealing partner for political stars seeking to develop control over regional neighborhoods. This has resulted in transforming what was initially a transportation employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in various reports, he has 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 frequently been criticized for blurring the lines in between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of interfering with polling systems and frightening citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has led to different legal difficulties. Significant among 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 necessary electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his fans commemorate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the possible across the country expansion of what they see as a dangerous blend of transportation union power and political impact.

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

As the country continues to grapple with problems of democratic combination and ethnic consistency, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely stay a topic of intense debate and analysis.

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

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