MC Oluomo elected NURTW national president – Punch Newspapers

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

In an advancement that has triggered both event and issue throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as MC Oluomo, has actually 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 substantial turning point in the controversial 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 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 appointment 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, specifying, “I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I want those I angered would forgive me also. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not permit anyone to ruin our means of income.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency comes with considerable baggage 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 especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo acquired national attention for his controversial role in election-related violence and voter intimidation.

He was recorded on video making threats against Igbo citizens in Lagos State, cautioning them to either choose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home. While he later on claimed the statement was a joke made to a good friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence resulted in extensive condemnation and requires his arrest.

The consequences of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political criminals presumably carried out civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo citizens, avoiding numerous from exercising their democratic rights. These actions caused the creation of a petition calling for global travel bans against him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport workers, has vehemently opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group cited his questionable management style and alleged use of union resources for individual gain as considerable issues.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s management style is inappropriate. He utilized union resources for personal gain, disregarding members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to successfully lead the national body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually evolved from an easy trade union into an effective political force. With nearly 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, often functioning as an important grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from major cities to remote areas, has made it an attractive partner for political stars seeking to establish control over regional neighborhoods. This has caused changing what was originally a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, in some cases, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exemplifies the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in numerous reports, he has been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including 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. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of interrupting polling units and intimidating citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition fans.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The controversial nature of MC Oluomo’s management has actually caused numerous legal obstacles. Significant 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 concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union’s future direction and function in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The visit also raises more comprehensive questions about the need for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to face issues of democratic consolidation and ethnic consistency, the role of prominent union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense argument and examination.

This development serves as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo begins his tenure as National President, his actions will be closely enjoyed by supporters and critics alike, with considerable implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.