MC Oluomo elected NURTW National President – Daily Post Nigeria

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

In a development that has triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising severe questions 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 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 likewise resulted in 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everyone who offended me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency includes significant luggage and debate.

Accusations 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 notably, during the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo acquired nationwide attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats versus Igbo citizens in Lagos State, alerting them to either vote for 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 resulted in prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The aftermath of his hazards materialized in election day violence, where political thugs presumably performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding lots of from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans against him, citing his role 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 mentioned his doubtful leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as significant issues.

The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is unacceptable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the national 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 progressed from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With almost 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 attractive partner for political stars looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to transforming what was originally a transport workers’ 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 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 significant involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

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

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has actually caused various legal challenges. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral procedures.

Future Implications

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

While his advocates celebrate his capability to maintain order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide expansion of what they see as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political impact.

The consultation also 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 role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense debate and examination.

This development works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state actors in the nation’s political processes.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully viewed by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.