MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

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

In a development that has sparked both celebration and issue throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely 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 occurred at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising severe 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 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 likewise resulted in 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 called for unity within the union, mentioning, "I have forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I upset would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be committed to its preservation. We will not enable anyone to destroy our methods of income."

A Controversial Past

However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the nationwide presidency features substantial baggage and debate.

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

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

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo voters 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 led to widespread condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his risks materialized in election day violence, where political punks apparently conducted civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to determine Igbo voters, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for international 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 transportation workers, 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 leadership design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as substantial issues.

The group stated, "MC Oluomo's management style is inappropriate. 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 controversial management design.

The NURTW's Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, frequently working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated 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 documented in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including 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 organization was implicated of interfering with polling units and daunting citizens, especially those viewed to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo's leadership has led to numerous legal difficulties. Significant among these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting issues about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

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

While his fans celebrate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics stress over the possible nationwide growth of what they view as a harmful fusion of transport union power and political influence.

The appointment likewise raises broader questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transportation union structure and the relationship between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to come to grips with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense argument and examination.

This development serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors 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 wider political landscape.